DSM-IV catatonia signs and criteria in first-episode, drug-naive, psychotic patients: psychometric validity and response to antipsychotic medication

Relationship between drug-induced movement disorders and psychosis in adults living in precarious housing or homelessness

BACKGROUND

Studies have reported positive associations between drug-induced movement disorders (DIMDs) and symptoms of psychosis in patients with schizophrenia. However, it is not clear which subtypes of symptoms are related to each other, and whether one symptom precedes another. The current report assessed both concurrent and temporal associations between DIMDs and symptoms of psychosis in a community-based sample of homeless individuals.

METHODS

Participants were recruited in Vancouver, Canada. Severity of DIMDs and psychosis was rated annually, allowing for the analysis of concurrent associations between DIMDs and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) five factors. A brief version of the PANSS was rated monthly using five psychotic symptoms, allowing for the analysis of their temporal associations with DIMDs. Mixed-effects linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the associations.

RESULTS

401 participants were included, mean age of 40.7 years (SD = 11.2) and 77.4% male. DIMDs and symptoms of psychosis were differentially associated with each other, in which the presence of parkinsonism was associated with greater negative symptoms, dyskinesia with disorganized symptoms, and akathisia with excited symptoms. The presence of DIMDs of any type was not associated with depressive symptoms. Regarding temporal associations, preceding delusions and unusual thought content were associated with parkinsonism, whereas dyskinesia was associated with subsequent conceptual disorganization.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study found significant associations between DIMDs and symptoms of psychosis in individuals living in precarious housing or homelessness. Moreover, there were temporal associations between parkinsonism and psychotic symptoms (delusions or unusual thought content), and the presence of dyskinesia was temporally associated with higher odds of clinically relevant conceptual disorganization.

Microstructural white matter biomarkers of symptom severity and therapy outcome in catatonia: Rationale, study design and preliminary clinical data of the whiteCAT study

The number of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on neuronal correlates of catatonia has dramatically increased in the last 10 years, but conclusive findings on white matter (WM) tracts alterations underlying catatonic symptoms are still lacking. Therefore, we conduct an interdisciplinary longitudinal MRI study (whiteCAT) with two main objectives: First, we aim to enroll 100 psychiatric patients with and 50 psychiatric patients without catatonia according to ICD-11 who will undergo a deep phenotyping approach with an extensive battery of demographic, psychopathological, psychometric, neuropsychological, instrumental and diffusion MRI assessments at baseline and 12 weeks follow-up. So far, 28 catatonia patients and 40 patients with schizophrenia or other primary psychotic disorders or mood disorders without catatonia have been studied cross-sectionally. 49 out of 68 patients have completed longitudinal assessment, so far. Second, we seek to develop and implement a new method for semi-automatic fiber tract delineation using active learning. By training supportive machine learning algorithms on the fly that are custom tailored to the respective analysis pipeline used to obtain the tractogram as well as the WM tract of interest, we plan to streamline and speed up this tedious and error-prone task while at the same time increasing reproducibility and robustness of the extraction process. The goal is to develop robust neuroimaging biomarkers of symptom severity and therapy outcome based on WM tracts underlying catatonia. If our MRI study is successful, it will be the largest longitudinal study to date that has investigated WM tracts in catatonia patients.

Treatment of schizophrenia with catatonic symptoms: A narrative review

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome consisting of psychomotor abnormalities caused by a broad range of disorders affecting brain function. While the nosological status of catatonia is no longer restricted to a subtype of schizophrenia in standardized diagnostic systems, the character, course, and clinical significance of catatonia in people with schizophrenia remain unclear. Evidence suggests that catatonia could be a nonspecific state-related phenomenon, a fundamental core symptom dimension of schizophrenia, or a subcortical variant of schizophrenia. Either way, the validity of catatonia in schizophrenia is clinically significant only insofar as it predicts prognosis and response to treatment. Most contemporary clinical trials of antipsychotics have targeted schizophrenia as an overly broad unitary psychosis neglecting any differential response defined by phenomenology or course. However, early naturalistic studies showed that catatonia predicted poor response to first-generation antipsychotics in chronic schizophrenia and case reports cautioned against the risk of triggering neuroleptic malignant syndrome. More recent studies suggest that second-generation antipsychotics, particularly clozapine, may be effective in schizophrenia with catatonic symptoms, while small randomized controlled trials have found that the short-term response to ECT may be faster and more significant. Based on available data, conclusions are limited as to whether antipsychotics are as effective and safe in acute and chronic schizophrenia with catatonic symptoms compared to other treatments and compared to schizophrenia without catatonia. Further studies of the pathophysiology, phenomenology, course and predictive value of catatonia in schizophrenia are worthwhile.

A case of schizophrenia with relapsed catatonia successfully treated with blonanserin transdermal patch

BACKGROUND

Catatonia is a syndrome that may present with stupor, immobility, and postural retention, and appears in various primary disorders including schizophrenia, depressive disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this report, we describe a 34-year-old female patient with schizophrenia, who had previously been treated with antipsychotic agents to improve psychotic symptoms with delusional symptoms and catatonia. However, she relapsed with catatonic symptoms around 1 year after she voluntarily discontinued the prescribed antipsychotic medications by herself. Her catatonia was successfully improved using the transdermal blonanserin patch, a drug formulation globally first approved in Japan in 2019.

DISCUSSION

Although benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy have been recommended as the first-line treatment of catatonic manifestation observed in psychiatric patients, this patient responded well to antipsychotic blonanserin. From the differential drug responses, catatonia may be the complex of heterogeneous conditions with different pathophysiologies.

Antipsychotics for schizophrenia spectrum disorders with catatonic symptoms

BACKGROUND

Whilst antipsychotics are the mainstay of treatment for schizophrenia spectrum disorders, there have been numerous attempts to identify biomarkers that can predict treatment response. One potential marker may be psychomotor abnormalities, including catatonic symptoms. Early studies suggested that catatonic symptoms predict poor treatment response, whilst anecdotal reports of rare adverse events have been invoked against antipsychotics. The efficacy and safety of antipsychotics in the treatment of this subtype of schizophrenia have rarely been studied in randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of any single antipsychotic medication with another antipsychotic or with other pharmacological agents, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), other non-pharmacological neuromodulation therapies (e.g. transcranial magnetic stimulation), or placebo for treating positive, negative, and catatonic symptoms in people who have schizophrenia spectrum disorders with catatonic symptoms.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Study-Based Register of Trials, which is based on CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, the ISRCTN registry, and WHO ICTRP, on 19 September 2021. There were no language, date, document type, or publication status limitations for inclusion of records in the register. We also manually searched reference lists from the included studies, and contacted study authors when relevant.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All RCTs comparing any single antipsychotic medication with another antipsychotic or with other pharmacological agents, ECT, other non-pharmacological neuromodulation therapies, or placebo for people who have schizophrenia spectrum disorders with catatonic symptoms.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

two review authors independently inspected citations, selected studies, extracted data, and appraised study quality. For binary outcomes, we planned to calculate risk ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous outcomes, we planned to calculate mean differences between groups and their 95% CI. We assessed risk of bias for the included studies, and created a summary of findings table; however, we did not assess the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach because there was no quantitative evidence in the included study.

MAIN RESULTS

Out of 53 identified reports, one RCT including 14 hospitalised adults with schizophrenia and catatonic symptoms met the inclusion criteria of the review. The study, which was conducted in India and lasted only three weeks, compared risperidone with ECT in people who did not respond to an initial lorazepam trial.   There were no usable data reported on the primary efficacy outcomes of clinically important changes in positive, negative, or catatonic symptoms. Whilst both study groups improved in catatonia scores on the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), the ECT group showed significantly greater improvement at week 3 endpoint (mean +/- estimated standard deviation; 0.68 +/- 4.58; N = 8) than the risperidone group (6.04 +/- 4.58; N = 6; P = 0.035 of a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures originally conducted in the trial). Similarly, both groups improved on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores by week 3, but ECT showed significantly greater improvement in positive symptoms scores compared with risperidone (P = 0.04). However, data on BFCRS scores in the ECT group appeared to be skewed, and mean PANSS scores were not reported, thereby precluding further analyses of both BFCRS and PANSS data according to the protocol.  Although no cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome were reported, extrapyramidal symptoms as a primary safety outcome were reported in three cases in the risperidone group. Conversely, headache (N = 6), memory loss (N = 4), and a prolonged seizure were reported in people receiving ECT. These adverse effects, which were assessed as specific for antipsychotics and ECT, respectively, were the only adverse effects reported in the study. However, the exact number of participants with adverse events was not clearly reported in both groups, precluding further analysis.  Our results were based only on a single study with a very small sample size, short duration of treatment, unclear or high risk of bias due to unclear randomisation methods, possible imbalance in baseline characteristics, skewed data, and selective reporting. Data on outcomes of general functioning, global state, quality of life, and service use, as well as data on specific phenomenology and duration of catatonic symptoms, were not reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found only one small, short-term trial suggesting that risperidone may improve catatonic and positive symptoms scale scores amongst people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and catatonic symptoms, but that ECT may result in greater improvement in the first three weeks of treatment. Due to small sample size, methodological shortcomings and brief duration of the study, as well as risk of bias, the evidence from this review is of very low quality. We are uncertain if these are true effects, limiting any conclusions that can be drawn from the evidence. No cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome were reported, but we cannot rule out the risk of this or other rare adverse events in larger population samples.  High-quality trials continue to be necessary to differentiate treatments for people with symptoms of catatonia in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The lack of consensus on the psychopathology of catatonia remains a barrier to defining treatments for people with schizophrenia. Better understanding of the efficacy and safety of antipsychotics may clarify treatment for this unique subtype of schizophrenia.

Clinical Significance of Delirium With Catatonic Signs in Patients With Neurological Disorders

OBJECTIVE

According to DSM-5, catatonia and delirium are mutually exclusive clinical syndromes. The investigators explored the co-occurrence of delirium and catatonia (i.e., catatonic delirium) and the clinical significance of this syndrome with a sample of neurological patients.

METHODS

This prospective study with consecutive sampling included patients diagnosed with delirium at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery of Mexico. DSM-5 criteria for delirium, the Confusion Assessment Method, and the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 were used to select and characterize patients. Catatonia was assessed using the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify etiological factors associated with catatonic delirium.

RESULTS

A total of 264 patients with delirium were included, 61 (23%) of whom fulfilled the criteria for catatonia and delirium simultaneously. Brain tumors, subarachnoid hemorrhage, acute hydrocephalus, and ischemic stroke were associated with delirium without catatonic signs. Catatonic delirium was observed among patients with encephalitis, epilepsy, brain neoplasms, and brain tuberculosis. After multivariate analysis, the association between catatonic delirium and encephalitis (both viral and anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor [NMDAR]) was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Delirium is a common complication of neurological diseases, and it can coexist with catatonia. The recognition of catatonic delirium has clinical significance in terms of etiology, as it was significantly associated with viral and anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Examining Motor Anticipation in Handwriting as an Indicator of Motor Dysfunction in Schizophrenia

Dysfunction in motor skills can be linked to alterations in motor processing, such as the anticipation of forthcoming graphomotor sequences. We expected that the difficulties in motor processing in schizophrenia would be reflected in a decrease of motor anticipation. In handwriting, motor anticipation concerns the ability to write a letter while processing information on how to produce the following letters. It is essential for fast and smooth handwriting, that is, for the automation of graphomotor gestures. In this study, we examined motor anticipation by comparing the kinematic characteristics of the first l in the bigrams ll and ln written on a digitiser. Previous studies indicated that the downstroke duration of the first l is modulated by the anticipation of the local constraints of the following letter. Twenty-four adult individuals with diagnosis of schizophrenia and 24 healthy adults participated in the study. The classic measures of duration (sec), trajectory (cm), and dysfluency (velocity peaks) were used for the kinematic analysis of the upstroke (US) and downstroke (DS). In the control group, the duration of the downstroke of the l was longer in ln than ll (US: ln = ll; DS: ln > ll) whereas no differences were found for the group with schizophrenia. Likewise, the control group showed a longer DS trajectory for the l of ln than ll in downstrokes, while the group of patients failed to show this effect. These results suggest that the motor alterations in patients with schizophrenia could also affect their ability for motor anticipation.

Catatonia: Clinical Overview of the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Clinical Challenges

Catatonia is a syndrome that has been associated with several mental illness disorders but that has also presented as a result of other medical conditions. Schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders such as mania and depression are known to be associated with catatonia; however, several case reports have been published of certain medical conditions inducing catatonia, including hyponatremia, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and liver transplantation. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome and anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis are also prominent causes of catatonia. Patients taking benzodiazepines or clozapine are also at risk of developing catatonia following the withdrawal of these medications—it is speculated that the prolonged use of these medications increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity and that discontinuation may increase excitatory neurotransmission, leading to catatonia. The treatment of catatonia often involves the use of benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, that can be used in combination therapy with antipsychotics. Definitive treatment may be found with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Aberrant neuronal activity in different motor pathways, defective neurotransmitter regulation, and impaired oligodendrocyte function have all been proposed as the pathophysiology behind catatonia. There are many clinical challenges that come with catatonia and, as early treatment is associated with better outcomes, it becomes imperative to understand these challenges. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview of these challenges and to look at clinical studies regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of as well as the complications and risk factors associated with catatonia.

Screening for pathogenic neuronal autoantibodies in serum and CSF of patients with first-episode psychosis

Patients with autoimmune encephalitides, especially those with antibodies to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), often present with prominent psychosis and respond well to immunotherapies. Although most patients progress to develop various neurological symptoms, it has been hypothesised that a subgroup of patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) suffer from a forme fruste of autoimmune encephalitis. Without accurate identification, this immunotherapy-responsive subgroup may be denied disease-modifying treatments. Thirty studies addressing aspects of this hypothesis were identified in a systematic review. Amongst other shortcomings, 15/30 reported no control group and only 6/30 determined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) autoantibodies. To ourselves address these-and other-limitations, we investigated a prospectively ascertained clinically well-characterised cohort of 71 FEP patients without traditional neurological features, and 48 healthy controls. Serum and CSF were tested for autoantibodies against seven neuronal surface autoantigens using live cell-based assays. These identified 3/71 (4%) patient sera with weak binding to either contactin-associated protein-like 2, the NMDAR or glycine receptor versus no binding from 48 control samples (p = 0.28, Fisher's test). The three seropositive individuals showed no CSF autoantibodies and no differences from the autoantibody-negative patients in their clinical phenotypes, or across multiple parameters of peripheral and central inflammation. All individuals were negative for CSF NMDAR antibodies. In conclusion, formes frustes of autoimmune encephalitis are not prevalent among FEP patients admitted to psychiatric care. Our findings do not support screening for neuronal surface autoantibodies in unselected psychotic patients.

[The sensorimotor domain in the research domain criteria system: progress and perspectives]

Over the past three decades research interest in hypokinetic, hyperkinetic, sensorimotor and psychomotor abnormalities in mental disorders has steadily increased. This development has led to an increasing number of scientific initiatives that have not only highlighted the clinical need for early detection of extrapyramidal motor symptoms, tardive dyskinesia and catatonia but also provided numerous neurobiological findings and clinically relevant results based on the pathology of the sensorimotor system in patients with mental disorders. In view of these developments in January 2019 the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) research domain criteria (RDoC) initiative introduced a sixth domain called the sensorimotor domain to address deficits in the sensorimotor system and associated behavioral abnormalities. To draw attention to the rapid progress just since the introduction of the sensorimotor domain, a 2-year (1 January 2019-18 February 2021) systematic review is presented highlighting recent neuroimaging findings and discussing challenges for future research. In summary, aberrant sensorimotor processing in mental disorders is associated with dysfunction of the cerebello-thalamo-motor cortex network, which interacts with (social)cognitive and affective systems. Initial longitudinal and interventional studies highlight the translational potential of the sensorimotor domain.

Movement disorder and sensorimotor abnormalities in schizophrenia and other psychoses - European consensus on assessment and perspectives

Over the last three decades, movement disorder as well as sensorimotor and psychomotor functioning in schizophrenia (SZ) and other psychoses has gained greater scientific and clinical relevance as an intrinsic component of the disease process of psychotic illness; this extends to early psychosis prediction, early detection of motor side effects of antipsychotic medication, clinical outcome monitoring, treatment of psychomotor syndromes (e.g. catatonia), and identification of new targets for non-invasive brain stimulation. In 2017, a systematic cooperation between working groups interested in movement disorder and sensorimotor/psychomotor functioning in psychoses was initiated across European universities. As a first step, the members of this group would like to introduce and define the theoretical aspects of the sensorimotor domain in SZ and other psychoses. This consensus paper is based on a synthesis of scientific evidence, good clinical practice and expert opinions that were discussed during recent conferences hosted by national and international psychiatric associations. While reviewing and discussing the recent theoretical and experimental work on neural mechanisms and clinical implications of sensorimotor behavior, we here seek to define the key principles and elements of research on movement disorder and sensorimotor/psychomotor functioning in psychotic illness. Finally, the members of this European group anticipate that this consensus paper will stimulate further multimodal and prospective studies on hypo- and hyperkinetic movement disorders and sensorimotor/psychomotor functioning in SZ and other psychotic disorders.

Diagnosing catatonia and its dimensions: Cluster analysis and factor solution using the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS)

Advances in research into catatonia in the preceding two decades has offered increasing clarity and an improved understanding of various aspects of this complex syndrome. Despite the above, there are several aspects that hinder a broader interpretation of these findings, the most common being a lack of consensus on the criteria required for diagnosing catatonia. Whilst being the most frequently used tool for diagnosis, the number of signs from Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) needed to diagnose catatonia remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the number of signs required to accurately diagnose catatonia using BFCRS and delineate its dimensions in an acute inpatient unit in the Indian setting. A random sample of 300 patients were evaluated for catatonia within 24 h of admission. Cluster Analysis followed by discriminant analysis and receiver operating curve analysis (ROC) provided cut-off values for diagnosing catatonia syndrome. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was used to identify factors in those with catatonia. Findings revealed that a cut off of two signs from both Bush-Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument or BFCSI (sensitivity of 100 %, specificity of 96.2 % as well as a positive predictive value [PPV] of 79.6 % and negative predictive value [NPV] 100 % with ROC AUC value of 0.98) and complete BFCRS (sensitivity of 100 % and specificity of 90.7 %, PPV of 80.7 and NPV of 100 % with ROC AUC for at least two items cut-off being 0.95) accurately detected catatonia. However, the prevalence of catatonia in the same population increased by 4% from 16.3% to 20.3% using the BFCRS rather than the BFCSI. The BFCRS generated a 3-factor model accounting for 65.48 % variance offering the best fit, indicating three discrete dimensions to catatonia, namely retarded, excited and what we named as "aberrant volitional". Interestingly, the aberrant volitional dimension comprises of signs that need to be elicited rather than passively observed and excluding one, none of them are part of the BFCSI. Findings of this study suggest that the BFCRS more accurately detects catatonia rather than the BFCSI. Additionally, three dimensions of catatonia more coherently explain the catatonic syndrome given that 55.7 % of the sample had signs from more than one factor concurrently. We propose that the BFCRS rather than BFCSI be routinely administered for evaluating all suspected cases of catatonia to ensure more accurate detection as well as identifying the aberrant volitional dimensional signs more consistently. The three-dimensional model also offers great opportunities to further unravel the pathophysiological basis of catatonic signs more systematically.

Screening for anti-NMDAR encephalitis in psychiatry

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis most commonly presents to psychiatric services, so early identification of this disorder is essential. We aim to validate the two screening criteria (Scott et al. and Herken and Pruss) which have been proposed to identify first episode psychosis patients who should have anti-NMDAR antibody testing. The performance of the screening criteria were assessed using anti-NMDAR encephalitis cases published in the literature, and antibody positive and negative cases from a state-wide cohort (Queensland, Australia). Sensitivity, specificity and area under receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was performed. There were 258 anti-NMDAR encephalitis cases and 103 control cases, which demonstrated high performance of both Scott et al. "screening recommended" criteria (sensitivity 97.3%, specificity 85.4%, AUC 0.914) and Herken and Pruss "yellow flags" criteria (sensitivity 91.5%, specificity 83.5%, AUC 0.875). These criteria remained accurate when neurological variables were excluded, and in cases without psychosis. The Scott et al. "screening not recommended", and Herken and Pruss "red flags" criteria did not demonstrate clinical utility for first episode psychosis case screening. The screening criteria with good performance identify an atypical picture of psychiatric presentation with increased risk of anti-NMDAR positivity prior to overt neurological symptoms or investigations and may be beneficial to include in the routine psychiatric assessment process.

Lorazepam-Resistant Catatonia in an Antipsychotic-Naïve 24-Year-Old with Psychotic Symptoms

Catatonia is a complex identifiable clinical syndrome characterized primarily by psychomotor symptoms. In recent decades, some authors have considered that catatonia can be presented as a catatonic syndrome in several pathologies such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders and not only in schizophrenia. Prior to DSM 5, there were two conceptions of catatonia: one in which clinical characterization seemed to play a determining role (a categorical view) and another in which a dimensional perspective advocated the existence of catatonia as a clinical entity in its own right, detached from the underlying pathology. Although there are no definitive consensus guidelines for the treatment of catatonia, some studies show that in the schizophrenic form of catatonia, benzodiazepines are partially effective, as well as treatment with ECT. We present the case of a 24-year-old man with severe catatonia and psychotic symptoms, resistant to lorazepam treatment, who achieved complete remission with clozapine treatment according to our diagnostic hypothesis of schizophrenia.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Patients with Catatonia: Current Perspectives

Catatonia is a serious, common syndrome of motoric and behavioral dysfunction, which carries high morbidity and mortality. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the definitive treatment for catatonia, but access to ECT for the treatment of catatonia remains inappropriately limited. Catatonia is observable, detectable, and relevant to various medical specialties, but underdiagnosis impedes the delivery of appropriate treatment and heightens risk of serious complications including iatrogenesis. Current understanding of catatonia's pathophysiology links it to the current understanding of ECT's mechanism of action. Definitive catatonia care requires recognition of the syndrome, workup to identify and treat the underlying cause, and effective management including appropriate referral for ECT. Even when all of these conditions are met, and despite well-established data on the safety and efficacy of ECT, stigma surrounding ECT and legal restrictions for its use in catatonia are additional critical barriers. Addressing the underdiagnosis of catatonia and barriers to its treatment with ECT is vital to improving outcomes for patients. While no standardized protocols for treatment of catatonia with ECT exist, a large body of research guides evidence-based care and reveals where additional research is warranted. The authors conducted a review of the literature on ECT as a treatment for catatonia. Based on the review, the authors offer strategies and future directions for improving access to ECT for patients with catatonia, and propose an algorithm for the treatment of catatonia with ECT.

Cortical Contributions to Distinct Symptom Dimensions of Catatonia

Catatonia is a central aspect of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and most likely associated with abnormalities in affective, motor, and sensorimotor brain regions. However, contributions of different cortical features to the pathophysiology of catatonia in SSD are poorly understood. Here, T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging data at 3 T were obtained from 56 right-handed patients with SSD. Using FreeSurfer version 6.0, we calculated cortical thickness, area, and local gyrification index (LGI). Catatonic symptoms were examined on the Northoff catatonia rating scale (NCRS). Patients with catatonia (NCRS total score ≥3; n = 25) showed reduced surface area in the parietal and medial orbitofrontal gyrus and LGI in the temporal gyrus (P < .05, corrected for cluster-wise probability [CWP]) as well as hypergyrification in rostral cingulate and medial orbitofrontal gyrus when compared with patients without catatonia (n = 22; P < .05, corrected for CWP). Following a dimensional approach, a negative association between NCRS motor and behavior scores and cortical thickness in superior frontal, insular, and precentral cortex was found (34 patients with at least 1 motor and at least 1 other affective or behavioral symptom; P < .05, corrected for CWP). Positive associations were found between NCRS motor and behavior scores and surface area and LGI in superior frontal, posterior cingulate, precentral, and pericalcarine gyrus (P < .05, corrected for CWP). The data support the notion that cortical features of distinct evolutionary and genetic origin differently contribute to catatonia in SSD. Catatonia in SSD may be essentially driven by cortex variations in frontoparietal regions including regions implicated in the coordination and goal-orientation of behavior.

Prevalence of catatonic signs and symptoms in an acute psychiatric unit from a tertiary psychiatric center in India

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of catatonia varies with the setting and type of rating scale used to measure catatonia. Catatonia, initially subsumed under schizophrenia, now is increasingly recognized in association with affective disorders.

AIM

We aimed to examine the prevalence of catatonia in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit in a tertiary center in India.

METHODS

Study subjects (n = 300) were randomly selected from amongst the inpatients over one year and evaluated within 24 h of admission using BFCRS and NCS, besides a sociodemographic and clinical proforma. During the inpatient stay MINI PLUS 5.0 was applied.

RESULTS

Among 300 inpatients recruited, 88 (29.3%) demonstrated at least one catatonic sign in either of the rating scales. As per the diagnostic cut-offs defined by BFCRS and NCS, the prevalence of catatonia syndrome was 49 (16.3%) and 32 (10.6%) respectively. The prevalence rates as per ICD-10 criteria and DSM-5 criteria were 19% and 5.3% respectively. The two most frequently noted signs - staring and withdrawal, were not listed as signs in either the ICD-10 or DSM V. The prevalence of catatonic symptoms was different in psychotic disorders in contrast to affective disorders. Severity of catatonia was associated with younger age, lesser duration of primary illness and prior episodes of catatonia.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of catatonia varies from 5.3% to 19% based on the criteria used. Identification warrants use of structured instruments. Catatonia is more severe in the initial years of illness, those with prior episodes of catatonia and in the younger age group.

Structure and neural mechanisms of catatonia

Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome associated with several psychiatric and medical conditions. Psychomotor signs range from stupor to agitation, and include pathognomonic features such as verbigeration and waxy flexibility. Disturbances of volition led to the classification of catatonia as a subtype of schizophrenia, but changes in nosology now recognise the high prevalence in mood disorders, overlap with delirium, and comorbidity with medical conditions. Initial psychometric studies have revealed three behavioural factors, but the structure of catatonia is still unknown. Evidence from brain imaging studies of patients with psychotic disorders indicates increased neural activity in premotor areas in patients with hypokinetic catatonia. However, whether this localised hyperactivity is due to corticocortical inhibition or excess activity of inhibitory corticobasal ganglia loops is unclear. Current treatment of catatonia relies on benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy-both effective, yet unspecific in their modes of action. Longitudinal research and treatment studies, with neuroimaging and brain stimulation techniques, are needed to advance our understanding of catatonia.

Handwriting movements for assessment of motor symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder

The main aim of the present study was to explore the value of several measures of handwriting in the study of motor abnormalities in patients with bipolar or psychotic disorders. 54 adult participants with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder and 44 matched healthy controls, participated in the study. Participants were asked to copy a handwriting pattern consisting of four loops, with an inking pen on a digitizing tablet. We collected a number of classical, non-linear and geometrical measures of handwriting. The handwriting of patients was characterized by a significant decrease in velocity and acceleration and an increase in the length, disfluency and pressure with respect to controls. Concerning non-linear measures, we found significant differences between patients and controls in the Sample Entropy of velocity and pressure, Lempel-Ziv of velocity and pressure, and Higuchi Fractal Dimension of pressure. Finally, Lacunarity, a measure of geometrical heterogeneity, was significantly greater in handwriting patterns from patients than from controls. We did not find differences in any handwriting measure on function of the specific diagnosis or the antipsychotic dose. Results indicate that participants with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder exhibit significant motor impairments and that these impairments can be readily quantified using measures of handwriting movements. Besides, they suggest that motor abnormalities are a core feature of several mental disorders and they seem to be unrelated to the pharmacological treatment.

Antipsychotics for schizophrenia spectrum disorders with catatonic symptoms

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

To assess the effects of antipsychotic medications versus placebo, other medications, or ECT for treating positive, negative, and catatonic symptoms in people who have schizophrenia spectrum disorders with associated catatonic signs or symptoms.

Dissecting the catatonia phenotype in psychotic and mood disorders on the basis of familial-genetic factors

BACKGROUND

This study examines the familial aggregation (familiality) of different phenotypic definitions of catatonia in a sample of multiplex families with psychotic and mood disorders.

METHODS

Participants were probands with a lifetime diagnosis of a DSM-IV functional psychotic disorder, their parents and at least one first-degree relative with a psychotic disorder. The study sample included 441 families comprising 2703 subjects, of whom 1094 were affected and 1609 unaffected. Familiality (h²) was estimated by linear mixed models using family membership as a random effect, with h² indicating the portion of phenotypic variance accounted for by family membership.

RESULTS

Familiality estimates highly varied for individual catatonia signs (h²=0.17-0.65), principal component analysis-derived factors (h²=0.29-0.49), number of catatonia signs present (h²=0.03-0.43) and severity of the catatonia syndrome (h²=0.25-0.59). Phenotypes maximizing familiality estimates included individual signs (mutism and rigidity, both h²=0.65), presence of ≥5 catatonia signs (h²=0.43), a classical catatonia factor (h²=0.49), a DSM-IV catatonia syndrome at a severity level of moderate or higher (h²=0.59) and the diagnostic construct of psychosis with prominent catatonia features (h²=0.56). Familiality estimates of a DSM-IV catatonia syndrome did not significantly differ across the diagnostic categories of psychotic and mood disorders (h²=0.40-0.47).

CONCLUSIONS

The way in which catatonia is defined has a strong impact on familiality estimates with some catatonia phenotypes exhibiting substantial familial aggregation, which may inform about the most adequate phenotypes for molecular studies. From a familial-genetic perspective, the catatonia phenotype in psychotic and mood disorders has a transdiagnostic character.

Covariation between motor signs and negative symptoms in drug-naive subjects with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders before and after antipsychotic treatment

OBJECTIVE

To examine the covariation between negative symptoms and motor signs in a broad sample of drug-naïve subjects with schizophrenia-spectrum psychoses before and after inception of antipsychotic medication.

METHODS

One-hundred and eighty-nine antipsychotic-naïve subjects with DSM-IV schizophrenia-spectrum psychoses were assessed for negative symptoms including affective flattening, alogia, avolition/apathy and anhedonia/associality, and motor signs including catatonia, parkinsonism and dyskinesia. We examined the association between negative and motor features at baseline, 4-weeks after inception of antipsychotic treatment and that of their mean change over the treatment period, such as their trajectories and treatment response pattern.

RESULTS

At the drug-naïve state, motor signs were strongly related to affective flattening and alogia (p<0.01); at 4-weeks, most negative and motor features were significantly interrelated (p<0.01); mean change of motor signs and negative symptoms tended to be unrelated. This association pattern was irrespective of levels of positive symptoms. Ratings of negative symptoms, excepting affective flattening, improved after treatment (p<0.001) while motor ratings showed divergent trajectories with catatonia improving (p<0.001), parkinsonism worsening (p<0.001) and dyskinesia remaining unchanged (p>0.01). Although to a different extent, motor and negative features showed drug-responsive, drug-worsening, of drug-unchanged patterns of response to antipsychotic medication. The main predictors of negative and motor features in treated subjects were their corresponding baseline ratings (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Negative and motor features are differentiated, but to some extent, overlapping domains that are meaningfully influenced by antipsychotic medication. At the drug-naïve state, motor signs and the diminished expression domain of negative symptoms may share underlying neurobiological mechanisms.

Schizophrenia with prominent catatonic features: A selective review

A widely accepted consensus holds that a variety of motor symptoms subsumed under the term 'catatonia' have been an integral part of the symptomatology of schizophrenia since 1896, when Kraepelin proposed the concept of dementia praecox (schizophrenia). Until recently, psychiatric classifications included catatonic schizophrenia mainly through tradition, without compelling evidence of its validity as a schizophrenia subtype. This selective review briefly summarizes the history, psychopathology, demographic and epidemiological data, and treatment options for schizophrenia with prominent catatonic features. Although most catatonic signs and symptoms are easy to observe and measure, the lack of conceptual clarity of catatonia and consensus about the threshold and criteria for its diagnosis have hampered our understanding of how catatonia contributes to the pathophysiology of schizophrenic psychoses. Diverse study samples and methodologies have further hindered research on schizophrenia with prominent catatonic features. A focus on the motor aspects of broadly defined schizophrenia using modern methods of detecting and quantifying catatonic signs and symptoms coupled with sophisticated neuroimaging techniques offers a new approach to research in this long-overlooked field.

Prevalence of Catatonia and Its Moderators in Clinical Samples: Results from a Meta-analysis and Meta-regression Analysis

Catatonia is an independent syndrome that co-occurs with several mental and medical conditions. We performed a systematic literature review in PubMed/Scopus until February 2017 and meta-analyzed studies reporting catatonia prevalence. Across 74 studies (cross-sectional = 32, longitudinal = 26, retrospective = 16) providing data collected from 1935 to 2017 across all continents, mean catatonia prevalence was 9.0% (k = 80, n = 110764; 95% CI = 6.9-11.7, I2 = 98%, publication bias P < .01), decreasing to 7.8% (k = 19, n = 7612, 95% CI = 7-8.7, I2 = 38.9%) in a subgroup with low heterogeneity. Catatonia prevalence was 23.9% (k = 8, n = 1168, 95% CI = 10-46.9, I2 = 96%) in patients undergoing ECT/having elevated creatinine phosphokinase. Excluding ECT samples, the catatonia prevalence was 8.1% (k = 72, n = 109606, 95% CI = 6.1-10.5, I2 = 98%, publication bias P < .01), with sensitivity analyses demonstrating that country of study origin (P < .001), treatment setting (P = .003), main underlying condition (P < .001), and sample size (P < .001)moderated catatonia prevalence, being highest in Uganda (48.5%, k = 1) and lowest in Mexico (1.9%, 95% CI = 0.4-8.8, I2 = 67%, k = 2), highest in nonpsychiatric out- or inpatient services (15.8%, 95% CI = 8.1-28.4, I2 = 97%, k = 15)and lowest in psychiatric outpatients services (3.2%, 95% CI = 1.7-6.1, I2 = 50%, k = 3), highest in presence of medical or neurological illness with no comorbid psychiatric condition (20.6%, 95% CI = 11.5-34.2, I2 = 95%, k = 10)and lowest in mixed psychiatric samples (5.7%, 95% CI = 4.2-7.7, I2 =98%, k = 43), highest in studies with sample sizes <100 (20.7%, 95% CI = 12.8-31.6, I2 = 90%, k = 17) and lowest in studies with sample sizes >1000 (2.3%, 95% CI = 1.3-3.9, I2 = 99%, k = 16). Meta-regression showed that smaller sample size (P < .01) and less major depressive disorder (P = .02) moderated higher catatonia prevalence. Year of data collection did not significantly moderate the results. Results from this first meta-analysis of catatonia frequencies across time and disorders suggest that catatonia is an epidemiologically and clinically relevant condition that occurs throughout several mental and medical conditions, whose prevalence has not decreased over time and does not seem to depend on different rating scales/criteria. However, results were highly heterogeneous, calling for a cautious interpretation.

Resting-State Hyperperfusion of the Supplementary Motor Area in Catatonia

Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome that not only frequently occurs in the context of schizophrenia but also in other conditions. The neural correlates of catatonia remain unclear due to small-sized studies. We therefore compared resting-state cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and gray matter (GM) density between schizophrenia patients with current catatonia and without catatonia and healthy controls. We included 42 schizophrenia patients and 41 controls. Catatonia was currently present in 15 patients (scoring >2 items on the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale screening). Patients did not differ in antipsychotic medication or positive symptoms. We acquired whole-brain rCBF using arterial spin labeling and GM density. We compared whole-brain perfusion and GM density over all and between the groups using 1-way ANCOVAs (F and T tests). We found a group effect (F test) of rCBF within bilateral supplementary motor area (SMA), anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left interior parietal lobe, and cerebellum. T tests indicated 1 cluster (SMA) to be specific to catatonia. Moreover, catatonia of excited and retarded types differed in SMA perfusion. Furthermore, increased catatonia severity was associated with higher perfusion in SMA. Finally, catatonia patients had a distinct pattern of GM density reduction compared to controls with prominent GM loss in frontal and insular cortices. SMA resting-state hyperperfusion is a marker of current catatonia in schizophrenia. This is highly compatible with a dysregulated motor system in catatonia, particularly affecting premotor areas. Moreover, SMA perfusion was differentially altered in retarded and excited catatonia subtypes, arguing for distinct pathobiology.

Motor Abnormalities: From Neurodevelopmental to Neurodegenerative Through "Functional" (Neuro)Psychiatric Disorders

Background

Motor abnormalities (MAs) of severe mental disorders have been traditionally neglected both in clinical practice and research, although they are an increasing focus of attention because of their clinical and neurobiological relevance. For historical reasons, most of the literature on MAs has been focused to a great extent on schizophrenia, and as a consequence their prevalence and featural properties in other psychiatric or neuropsychiatric disorders are poorly known. In this article, we evaluated the extent to which catatonic, extrapyramidal and neurological soft signs, and their associated clinical features, are present transdiagnostically.

Methods

We examined motor-related features in neurodevelopmental (schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorders), "functional" (nonschizophrenic nonaffective psychoses, mood disorders) and neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's disease) disorders. Examination of the literature revealed that there have been very few comparisons of motor-related features across diagnoses and we had to rely mainly in disorder-specific studies to compare it transdiagnostically.

Results

One or more motor domains had a substantial prevalence in all the diagnoses examined. In "functional" disorders, MAs, and particularly catatonic signs, appear to be markers of episode severity; in chronic disorders, although with different degree of strength or evidence, all motor domains are indicators of both disorder severity and poor outcome; lastly, in Alzheimer's disease they are also indicators of disorder progression.

Conclusions

MAs appear to represent a true transdiagnostic domain putatively sharing neurobiological mechanisms of neurodevelopmental, functional or neurodegenerative origin.

Prevalence and characteristics of catatonia on admission to an acute geriatric psychiatry ward

BACKGROUND

This study aims to describe the prevalence of catatonia in a population of older acute psychiatric inpatients according to different diagnostic criteria. Secondary objectives are: to compare the catatonic symptom profile, prevalence, and severity, in respect to the underlying aetiology, and to evaluate the association between catatonic and somatic comorbidity.

METHODS

The study included 106 patients admitted to an acute geriatric psychiatry ward. Catatonia was assessed using the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS).

RESULTS

Catatonia was highly prevalent (n=42; 39.6%), even when using restrictive diagnostic criteria: Fink and Taylor (n=19; 17.9%) and DSM 5 (n=22; 20.8%). Depression was the most frequent psychiatric syndrome among catatonic patients (n=18; 42.8%). Catatonia was more frequent in depression (48.6%) and delirium (66.7%). Affective disorders showed a higher risk than psychotic disorders to develop catatonia (OR=2.68; 95% CI 1.09-6.61). This association was not statistically significant when controlling for dementia and geriatric syndromes. The most prevalent catatonic signs were excitement (64.3%), verbigeration (61.9%), negativism (59.5%), immobility/stupor (57.1%), and staring (52.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Catatonia in older psychiatric inpatients was highly prevalent. Depression was the most common psychiatric syndrome among catatonic patients, and catatonia was more frequent in depression and mania, as well as in delirium. Affective disorders were associated with a higher risk of developing catatonia compared to psychotic disorders. Somatic and cognitive comorbidity played a crucial aetiological role in catatonia in this series.

Catatonia: Our current understanding of its diagnosis, treatment and pathophysiology

Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome that has been reported to occur in more than 10% of patients with acute psychiatric illnesses. Two subtypes of the syndrome have been identified. Catatonia of the retarded type is characterized by immobility, mutism, staring, rigidity, and a host of other clinical signs. Excited catatonia is a less common presentation in which patients develop prolonged periods of psychomotor agitation. Once thought to be a subtype of schizophrenia, catatonia is now recognized to occur with a broad spectrum of medical and psychiatric illnesses, particularly affective disorders. In many cases, the catatonia must be treated before any underlying conditions can be accurately diagnosed. Most patients with the syndrome respond rapidly to low-dose benzodiazepines, but electroconvulsive therapy is occasionally required. Patients with longstanding catatonia or a diagnosis of schizophrenia may be less likely to respond. The pathobiology of catatonia is poorly understood, although abnormalities in gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate signaling have been suggested as causative factors. Because catatonia is common, highly treatable, and associated with significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated, physicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for this complex clinical syndrome. Since 1989, we have systematically assessed patients presenting to our psychiatry service with signs of retarded catatonia. In this paper, we present a review of the current literature on catatonia along with findings from the 220 cases we have assessed and treated.

Brief episodes of non-specific psychosis later diagnosed as periodic catatonia

A 73-year-old woman was known to have discrete episodes of psychosis not otherwise specified that would require a brief admission to hospital and total remission following a short course of benzodiazepine or antipsychotic treatment. She had no underlying schizophrenic or affective disorder and was completely unimpaired in between episodes, which could last several years. She presented to us with psychotic symptoms but also noted to have many catatonic features, which were also present on previous presentations. Following failure with antipsychotic trials on this index presentation, she completely remitted with a short course of electroconvulsive therapy. We discuss the importance of identifying and treating catatonia and the lesser-known variant of periodic catatonia. Current presentations should always take into account the lifetime context of psychiatric illness. Rarely do patients with primary psychotic disorders not have any impairment or treatment in between episodes.

Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Syndromes: Implications for Contemporary Practice

The development of drugs to treat psychosis is a fascinating nexus for understanding mechanisms underlying disorders of mind and movement. Although the risk of drug-induced extrapyramidal syndromes has been mitigated by the acceptance of less potent dopamine antagonists, expansive marketing and off-label use has increased the number of susceptible people who may be at risk for these neurologic effects. Clinicians need to be familiar with advances in diagnosis and management, which are reviewed herein. A better understanding of drug-induced effects on the motor circuit may improve patient safety, enhance antipsychotic effectiveness, and provide insights into mechanisms underlying antipsychotic activity in parallel brain circuits.

Catatonia

One of the most exciting psychiatric conditions is the bizarre psychomotor syndrome called catatonia, which may present with a large number of different motor signs and even vegetative instability. Catatonia is potentially life threatening. The use of benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been efficient in the majority of patients. The rich clinical literature of the past has attempted to capture the nature of catatonia. But the lack of diagnostic clarity and operationalization has hampered research on catatonia for a long time. Within the last decades, it became clear that catatonia had to be separated from schizophrenia, which was finally accomplished in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). In DSM-5, catatonia syndrome may be diagnosed as a specifier to major mood disorders, psychotic disorders, general medical conditions, and as catatonia not otherwise specified. This allows diagnosing the syndrome in a large variety of psychiatric disorders. Currently, the pathobiology remains widely unknown. Suspected neurotransmitter systems include gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. Neuroimaging reports pointed to reduced resting state activity and reduced task activation in motor areas of the frontal and parietal cortex. The new classification of catatonia will foster more clinical research and neuroscientific approaches by testing catatonia in various populations and applying stringent criteria. The scarce number of prospective trials will hopefully increase, as more trials will be encouraged within a more precise concept of catatonia.

[Pharmacotherapy of psychiatric acute and emergency situations: General principles]

The pharmacotherapy of psychiatric emergencies is essentially determined by the acuteness, the scene of the emergency, the diagnostic assessment and the special pharmacological profile of the drug used. As there are no specific drugs, syndromic treatment is carried out. For this, primarily antipsychotic drugs and benzodiazepines are available. This article gives an overview of the current state of treatment options for major psychiatric emergency syndromes, namely agitation, delirium, stupor and catatonia, anxiety and panic, as well as drug-induced emergencies.

Clinical & diagnostic issues in catatonia

The concept of catatonia was formulated in the 1860s by Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum. He coined and gave the name catatonia to the syndromic entity in which the mood symptoms (depression and mania) were primary, and motor symptoms (mutism, negativism, stereotypies, catalepsy and verbigeration) the most characteristic. Although the name has remained stable, this concept has changed in the last century concerning the details of its definition until the current integrative approach in DSM 5. Catatonic phenomena are main components of the ‘motor abnormalities’ domain in psychiatric, neurologic and general medical disorders and they have to be evaluated in the context of a full psychopatological and neurological examination. In this article, we make a review about clinical and diagnostic issues in catatonia. Catatonic phenomena comprise both state and trait characteristics and have prognostic validity in psychosis. Moreover, providing that motor abnormalities are closer to neurobiological underpinnings than other psychotic symptoms (e.g., positive symptoms of schizophrenia), catatonic phenomena should be studied specifically as targets for neurobiological research.

Recurrent Idiopathic Catatonia: Implications beyond the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition

We describe a case of recurrent, life-threatening, catatonic stupor, without evidence of any associated medical, toxic or mental disorder. This case provides support for the inclusion of a separate category of “unspecified catatonia” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) to be used to classify idiopathic cases, which appears to be consistent with Kahlbaum’s concept of catatonia as a distinct disease state. But beyond the limited, cross-sectional, syndromal approach adopted in DSM-5, this case more importantly illustrates the prognostic and therapeutic significance of the longitudinal course of illness in differentiating cases of catatonia, which is better defined in the Wernicke-Kleist-Leonhard classification system. The importance of differentiating cases of catatonia is further supported by the efficacy of antipsychotics in treatment of this case, contrary to conventional guidelines.

Movement disorders in catatonia

Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome characterised by a broad range of motor, speech and behavioural abnormalities. 'Waxy flexibility', 'posturing' and 'catalepsy' are among the well-recognised motor abnormalities seen in catatonia. However, there are many other motor abnormalities associated with catatonia. Recognition of the full spectrum of the phenomenology is critical for an accurate diagnosis. Although controlled trials are lacking benzodiazepines are considered first-line therapy and N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists also appears to be effective. Electroconvulsive therapy is used in those patients who are resistant to medical therapy. An underlying cause of the catatonia should be identified and treated to ensure early and complete resolution of symptoms.

The diagnostic criteria and structure of catatonia

BACKGROUND

The classification of catatonia has fluctuated and underwent recent changes in DSM-5. The current study examines the prevalence of catatonia signs, estimates the utility of diagnostic features, identifies core catatonia signs, and explores their underlying structure.

METHOD

We screened 339 acutely ill medical and psychiatric patients with the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS). We examined prevalence and severity of catatonia signs and compared BFCRS, DSM-IV and DSM-5 diagnoses. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to examine the factorial validity of catatonia and item response theory (IRT) to estimate each sign's utility and reliability.

RESULTS

Out of the 339 patients, 300 were diagnosed with catatonia using the BFCRS and 232 catatonia diagnoses were validated by the treating provider based on selection for treatment with benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy. Of the 232 validated catatonia cases, 211 (91%) met DSM-IV criteria but only 170 (73%) met DSM-5 criteria for catatonia. Staring was the most prevalent catatonia sign. PCA identified three components, interpretable as "Increased, Abnormal and Decreased Psychomotor Activity," although 63% of the variance was unexplained. IRT showed that Excitement, Waxy Flexibility and Immobility/Stupor were the best indicators of each factor. The BFCRS had many redundant items and as a whole had low reliability at low severity of catatonia, but good reliability at moderate-high severity of catatonia.

CONCLUSIONS

The structure of catatonia remains to be discovered.

Characterization of the deficit syndrome in drug-naive schizophrenia patients: the role of spontaneous movement disorders and neurological soft signs

This study aimed to characterize the deficit syndrome in drug-naive schizophrenia patients and to examine the relationship between deficit features and primary neurological abnormalities. Drug-naive schizophrenia patients (n = 102) were examined at baseline for demographics, premorbid functioning, duration of untreated illness (DUI), psychopathology, neurological signs, and deficit symptoms, and reassessed at 1-year follow-up. Neurological abnormalities were examined before inception of antipsychotic medication and included four domains of spontaneous movement disorders (SMD) and four domains of neurological soft signs (NSS). Patients fulfilling the deficit syndrome criteria at the two assessments (n = 20) were compared with nondeficit patients (n = 82) across demographic, clinical, and neurological variables. Deficit and nondeficit groups showed similar demographic characteristics and levels of psychotic, disorganization, and depressive symptoms. Compared with nondeficit patients, deficit patients showed poorer premorbid adjustment, higher premorbid deterioration, a lengthier DUI, and much poorer functional outcome. Relative to the nondeficit patients, those with the deficit syndrome showed higher levels of SMD--excepting akathisia--and NSS. This association pattern was also evident for deficit and neurological ratings in the whole sample of schizophrenia patients. Parkinsonism, motor sequencing, and release signs were all independently related to the deficit syndrome. These findings confirm that the deficit/nondeficit categorization is replicable and reliable in first-admission patients and raise the possibility that premorbid deterioration, deficit symptoms, and neurological abnormalities represent a triad of manifestations that share common underlying neurobiological mechanisms. More specifically, the data are consistent with a neurodevelopmental model of deficit symptoms involving basal ganglia dysfunction.

Autoimmune-induced glutamatergic receptor dysfunctions: conceptual and psychiatric practice implications

Glutamatergic neurotransmission is mediated via complex receptorial systems including N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolpropionic acid (AMPA) and metabotropic receptor subtypes and plays a critical role in the modulation of synaptic plasticity, mood, cognitive processes and motor behavior. Glutamatergic function deficits are hypothesized to contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, mood and movement disorders. Accumulating data are rapidly leading to the characterization of specific types of autoimmune encephalitis in which the receptors and proteins critically involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission, e.g., NMDA, AMPA receptors, are antigen targets. Characteristic of these syndromes, antibodies alter the structure and/or function of the corresponding neuronal antigen resulting in clinical pictures that resemble pharmacological disease models. Presently the best characterized autoimmune glutamatergic disorder is anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. This disorder manifests with intertwined psychiatric and neurological features, defines a new syndrome, reclassifies poorly defined clinical states and extends previous hypotheses, such as hypo-NMDA receptor function in schizophrenia. The characterization of autoimmune-induced glutamatergic receptor dysfunctions (AGRD) is likely to have a substantial conceptual impact upon our understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, affective and movement dysfunctions. Further definition of AGRD will provide additional guidelines for psychiatric diagnoses, identification of homogeneous patient subtypes within broad phenomenological classifications and will contribute to the development of personalized treatments. The body of knowledge already accumulated on anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis highlights the need for wide dissemination of these concepts among psychiatrists, and in suspected cases, for early recognition, prompt clinical and laboratory investigation and efficient interface between mental health and medical teams.

[Psychopharmacotherapy in emergency medicine]

Part two of the CME article Psychotropic agents and psychopharmacotherapy in emergency medicine aims to give an understanding of the pharmacotherapy of psychiatric disorders in emergency medicine. In contrast to somatic emergencies, many emergency physicians are not familiar with the treatment of psychiatric emergencies, although there are guidelines and recommendations. In the following article, treatment recommendations for the 5 most common and relevant syndromes in emergency medicine (i.e., suicide, delirium, agitation, stupor, and syndromes due to psychopharmaceutical use) are described based on the German S2-Guideline Emergency Psychiatry that will be published soon.

Catatonia in DSM-5

Although catatonia has historically been associated with schizophrenia and is listed as a subtype of the disorder, it can occur in patients with a primary mood disorder and in association with neurological diseases and other general medical conditions. Consequently, catatonia secondary to a general medical condition was included as a new condition and catatonia was added as an episode specifier of major mood disorders in DSM-IV. Different sets of criteria are utilized to diagnose catatonia in schizophrenia and primary mood disorders versus neurological/medical conditions in DSM-IV, however, and catatonia is a codable subtype of schizophrenia but a specifier for major mood disorders without coding. In part because of this discrepant treatment across the DSM-IV manual, catatonia is frequently not recognized by clinicians. Additionally, catatonia is known to occur in several conditions other than schizophrenia, major mood disorders, or secondary to a general medical condition. Four changes are therefore made in the treatment of catatonia in DSM-5. A single set of criteria will be utilized to diagnose catatonia across the diagnostic manual and catatonia will be a specifier for both schizophrenia and major mood disorders. Additionally, catatonia will also be a specifier for other psychotic disorders, including schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, brief psychotic disorder, and substance-induced psychotic disorder. A new residual category of catatonia not otherwise specified will be added to allow for the rapid diagnosis and specific treatment of catatonia in severely ill patients for whom the underlying diagnosis is not immediately available. These changes should improve the consistent recognition of catatonia across the range of psychiatric disorders and facilitate its specific treatment.

Structure of the psychotic disorders classification in DSM-5

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders attract great interest among clinicians, researchers, and the lay public. While the diagnostic features of schizophrenia have remained unchanged for more than 100 years, the mechanism of illness has remained elusive. There is increasing evidence that the categorical diagnosis of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders contributes to this lack of progress. The 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) continues the categorical classification of psychiatric disorders since the research needed to establish a new nosology of equal or greater validity is lacking. However, even within a categorical system, the DSM-5 aims to capture the underlying dimensional structure of psychosis. The domains of psychopathology that define psychotic disorders are presented not simply as features of schizophrenia. The level, the number, and the duration of psychotic signs and symptoms are used to demarcate psychotic disorders from each other. Finally, the categorical assessment is complemented with a dimensional assessment of psychosis that allows for more specific and individualized assessment of patients. The structure of psychosis as outlined in the DSM-5 may serve as a stepping-stone towards a more valid classification system, as we await new data to redefine psychotic disorders.

Comparison of objectively measured motor behavior with ratings of the motor behavior domain of the Bern Psychopathology Scale (BPS) in schizophrenia

Motor symptoms in schizophrenia occur frequently and are relevant to diagnosis and antipsychotic therapy. To date motor symptoms are difficult to assess and their pathobiology is a widely unresolved issue. The Bern Psychopathology Scale for the assessment of system-specific psychotic symptoms (BPS) was designed to identify homogenous patient groups by focusing on three domains: language, affectivity and motor behavior. The present study aimed to validate the motor behavior domain of the BPS using wrist actigraphy. In total, 106 patients were rated with the BPS and underwent 24 h continuous actigraphy recording. The ratings of the global severity of the motor behavior domain (GSM) as well as the quantitative and the subjective items of the motor behavior domain of the BPS were significantly associated with actigraphic variables. In contrast, the qualitative items of the motor domain failed to show an association with actigraphy. Likewise, scores of the language and the affectivity domains were not related to actigraphic measures. In conclusion, we provided substantial external validity for global, quantitative and subjective ratings of the BPS motor behavior domain. Thus, the BPS is suitable to assess the dimension of quantitative motor behavior in the schizophrenia spectrum.

Retrospective chart review of catatonia in child and adolescent psychiatric patients

OBJECTIVE

Identify the frequency of catatonia among at-risk children and adolescents receiving psychiatric treatment.

METHOD

Subjects were children and adolescents (<18 years), who had received psychiatric treatment at a University Hospital during 2004-2009, and were diagnosed with disorders with known risk for catatonia or displayed symptoms suggestive of catatonia. Approval was obtained from the Investigational Review Board (IRB). The first 101 (n = 101) subjects were selected among 570 subjects identified by psychiatric diagnoses: any pervasive developmental disorder, psychosis-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified), intermittent explosive disorder, mental retardation, catatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Subjects met study-defined criteria for catatonia, if they had three or more of the following symptoms: unexplained agitation/excitement, disturbed or unusual movements, reduced movements, repetitive or stereotyped movements, or reduced or loss of speech.

RESULTS

Eighteen (17.8%) subjects, among a group suspected to be at a higher risk for catatonia, met the study-defined criteria for this syndrome. However, only two subjects had been diagnosed by their treatment providers. Higher rates of intellectual disability and aggression were found among the group that met study-criteria.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that catatonia is under recognized and undertreated among children and adolescents receiving psychiatric treatment.

Resting state cerebral blood flow and objective motor activity reveal basal ganglia dysfunction in schizophrenia

Reduced motor activity has been reported in schizophrenia and was associated with subtype, psychopathology and medication. Still, little is known about the neurobiology of motor retardation. To identify neural correlates of motor activity, resting state cerebral blood flow (CBF) was correlated with objective motor activity of the same day. Participants comprised 11 schizophrenia patients and 14 controls who underwent magnetic resonance imaging with arterial spin labeling and wrist actigraphy. Patients had reduced activity levels and reduced perfusion of the left parahippocampal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, right thalamus, and right prefrontal cortex. In controls, but not in schizophrenia, CBF was correlated with activity in the right thalamic ventral anterior (VA) nucleus, a key module within basal ganglia-cortical motor circuits. In contrast, only in schizophrenia patients positive correlations of CBF and motor activity were found in bilateral prefrontal areas and in the right rostral cingulate motor area (rCMA). Grey matter volume correlated with motor activity only in the left posterior cingulate cortex of the patients. The findings suggest that basal ganglia motor control is impaired in schizophrenia. In addition, CBF of cortical areas critical for motor control was associated with volitional motor behavior, which may be a compensatory mechanism for basal ganglia dysfunction.

The meaning of childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity symptoms in patients with a first-episode of schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis

OBJECTIVE

To examine childhood ADHD symptoms in regard to their association with a number of illness-related variables including risk factors, early neurodevelopment, premorbid functioning and clinical characteristics in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum psychoses.

METHODS

One-hundred and twenty-two first-episode patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia-spectrum disorders were retrospectively assessed by means of their biological mothers for childhood ADHD symptoms. Using correlational analyses and hierarchical regression models, the severity of ADHD symptoms was examined in relation to familial liability to schizophrenia, obstetric complications, milestones attainment delay, premorbid functioning during childhood and adolescence, age at illness onset, episode psychopathology and response to treatment after one-month trial with antipsychotic medication.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (17%) met DSM-IV criteria for childhood ADHD. Univariate analyses showed that severity of childhood ADHD symptoms was related to male gender, obstetric complications, delayed milestones attainment, poor school functioning and an earlier age of onset of psychotic symptoms. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that severity of childhood ADHD symptoms was independently predicted by obstetric complications and neurodevelopmental delay, with no further variables entering in the regression models. Path analyses showed that obstetric complications had both direct and indirect effects, through neurodevelopmental delay, on ADHD symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are consistent with a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia and with the hypothesis of shared environmental risk factors between ADHD and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Childhood ADHD symptoms in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders appear to be an epiphenomenon of obstetric complications and early neurodevelopment delay with no further influence on the clinical expression of the illness.

Alterations of white matter integrity related to motor activity in schizophrenia

Altered structural connectivity is a key finding in schizophrenia, but the meaning of white matter alterations for behavior is rarely studied. In healthy subjects, motor activity correlated with white matter integrity in motor tracts. To explore the relation of motor activity and fractional anisotropy (FA) in schizophrenia, we investigated 19 schizophrenia patients and 24 healthy control subjects using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and actigraphy on the same day. Schizophrenia patients had lower activity levels (AL). In both groups linear relations of AL and FA were detected in several brain regions. Schizophrenia patients had lower FA values in prefrontal and left temporal clusters. Furthermore, using a general linear model, we found linear negative associations of FA and AL underneath the right supplemental motor area (SMA), the right precentral gyrus and posterior cingulum in patients. This effect within the SMA was not seen in controls. This association in schizophrenia patients may contribute to the well known dysfunctions of motor control. Thus, structural disconnectivity could lead to disturbed motor behavior in schizophrenia.