sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Catatonia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency assessment is needed if symptoms return and the person becomes unresponsive, cannot eat or drink, develops fever or severe stiffness, has trouble breathing, or shows rapidly worsening agitation or confusion.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up focuses on recovery, recurrence prevention, and treatment of the underlying condition.

    The care plan may involve psychiatry, neurology, primary care, or another specialty depending on the suspected cause.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for reviewing recovery, medication effects, test results, and early warning signs.

    Families and caregivers may be asked to watch for renewed withdrawal, reduced speech, prolonged staring, unusual postures, repetitive movements, or unexplained agitation.

The article also says

After symptoms improve, clinicians may track speech, movement, food and fluid intake, sleep, and the ability to manage daily activities.

Rehabilitation or physical therapy may help if a person became weak or stiff during a prolonged episode.

Medicines should be changed only with professional guidance.

Abruptly stopping a benzodiazepine can cause withdrawal and may contribute to recurrent symptoms.

If ECT was used, the treatment team will explain whether additional sessions or maintenance treatment should be considered.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Catatonia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.