Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

86.2K

Catatonia in neurodevelopmental disorders: assessing catatonic deterioration from baseline

Aaron J Hauptman1, David Cohen2, Dirk Dhossche3

  • 1Neurobehavioral Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.

The Lancet. Psychiatry
|January 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing and managing catatonia in individuals with autism spectrum disorder presents challenges. This study proposes a novel measure to assess catatonia, differentiating it from underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuropsychiatry
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

  • Catatonia is a specifier for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the DSM-5.
  • Clinical practice reveals diagnostic and management challenges for catatonia in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ASD.
  • Existing diagnostic and treatment paradigms require refinement for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current literature on catatonia in neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD.
  • To outline concerns regarding the diagnosis and management of catatonia in this patient group.
  • To propose a novel conceptual framework and practical measure for diagnosing and monitoring catatonia in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on catatonia in neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Development of two novel concepts: 'personalized score at baseline' and 'catatonic deterioration from baseline'.
  • Proposal for a comprehensive measure considering motor, medical, functional, and neurobehavioral symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Current diagnostic and treatment approaches for catatonia in neurodevelopmental disorders are insufficient.
  • A need exists for a specialized measure to differentiate catatonia from underlying neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • The proposed concepts aim to provide a baseline estimate and assess deterioration due to catatonia.

Conclusions:

  • A new measure is needed to accurately diagnose and monitor catatonia in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • The proposed 'personalized score at baseline' and 'catatonic deterioration from baseline' offer a novel approach.
  • This framework aims to support clinicians and researchers working with this underserved population.

More Related Videos

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis05:52

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis

Published on: November 21, 2013

15.0K
Implantation of Osmotic Pumps and Induction of Stress to Establish a Symptomatic, Pharmacological Mouse Model for DYT/PARK-ATP1A3 Dystonia10:41

Implantation of Osmotic Pumps and Induction of Stress to Establish a Symptomatic, Pharmacological Mouse Model for DYT/PARK-ATP1A3 Dystonia

Published on: September 12, 2020

7.4K

Related Concept Videos

Alterations in Muscle Tone ll01:12

Alterations in Muscle Tone ll

Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll01:11

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...