Psychiatry - December 2008 - (Page 42)

[REVIEW] Katatonia: A New Conceptual Understanding of Catatonia and a New Rating Scale by BRENDAN T. CARROLL, MD; ROB KIRKHART, PhD, PA-C; NIRAJ AHUJA, MD, MRCPsych; ILO SOOVERE, MD; EDWARD C. LAUTERBACH, MD; DIRK DHOSSCHE, MD; and REBECCA TALBERT, PharmD Dr. Carroll is Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati (Volunteer), Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Chillicothe, Ohio; Dr. Kirkhart is Clinical Professor, Marietta College, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chillicothe, Ohio; Dr. Ahuja is Consultant Psychiatrist and Honorary Clinical Lecturer, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust and Newcastle University, United Kingdom; Dr. Soovere is Staff Psychiatrist and Neurologist, Perry Point VAMC, Perry Point, Maryland; Dr. Lauterbach is Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Radiology, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia (retired); Dr. Dhossche is Professor of Psychiatry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; and Dr. Talbert is Clinical Pharmacist, Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. Psychiatry (Edgemont) 2008;5(12):42–50 ABSTRACT Modern psychiatric nosologies separate catatonia along the lines of presumed etiology: bipolar, major depression, schizophrenia, and/or due to a general medical condition. Catatonic signs have always possessed significant diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic value. Kahlbaum’s description of this syndrome in his monograph “Katatonia” included careful documentation of phenomenology. Kahlbaum selected the term katatonia to describe “tension insanity.” He felt that the neuromotor signs were more important than the content of delusions (e.g. megalomania). While he felt that he was describing a unitary illness, he did identify mood disturbance, psychosis, and medical factors in this new illness.1 In modern times, the term catatonia has become limited to describe a specifier of neuropsychiatric illnesses. The authors of this article feel that the term katatonia should be used to describe a group of neuropsychiatric illnesses presenting with catatonic signs. This may prevent the misconception that 42 Psychiatry 2008 [ V O L U M E 5, NUMBER DISCLAIMER: This manuscript was developed by the authors and does not constitute research or opinions of the Department of Veterans Affairs. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest relevant to the contents of this manuscript. ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO: Rob Kirkhart, PhD, PA-C, 17273 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601; (740) 773-1141 ext. 6599; Fax: (740) 772-7179; E-mail: robkirkhart@msn.com KEY WORDS: catatonia, katatonia, stupor, Kahlbaum, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, KANNER 12, DECEMBER]

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Psychiatry - December 2008

Psychiatry - December 2008 Editor’s Message Contents Editorial Advisory Board Antidepressant Prescribing by Specialty and Treatment of Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder Pain, Pain, Go Away: Antidepressants and Pain Management Why Psychotherapy Helps the Patient in Chronic Pain General Medical Drugs Associated with Depression Katatonia: A New Conceptual Understanding of Catatonia and a New Rating Scale Thermoregulation and the Role of Calcium Signalling in Neurotransmission Cognition and Schizophrenia: Is There a Role for Cognitive Assessments in Diagnosis and Treatment? Journal Watch Information for Authors

Psychiatry - December 2008

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