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Schizophrenia spectrum and psychosis

Catatonia

Severe movement and response impairment: the person may remain motionless, speechless, adopt fixed postures, or show aimless agitation. It can appear in psychiatric or medical disorders and requires urgent attention.

Common signs

Immobility or lack of responseNot speaking or eatingFixed postures or repeated movements

Tips

For you

  1. It is a medical emergency: call 112
  2. It can be treated effectively in hospital
  3. Stay with the person and keep them safe

For family and friends

  1. Don't leave them alone and protect them from knocks or falls
  2. Call 112: hospital care is needed

When to ask for help

  1. It is always an emergency
  2. Especially if they are not eating or drinking or have a fever

Are you having a really hard time? If you're thinking of harming yourself, call 024 (free, 24 hours) or 112.

Warning signs

List of warning signs. Tick "Yes" for the ones you have noticed. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Stays still for a long time
2. Doesn't respond when spoken to
3. Isn't eating or drinking
4. Holds fixed or strange postures
5. Repeats words or movements
6. Resists when you try to move them
7. Alternates with moments of agitation for no reason
8. It started suddenly

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveConfederación SALUD MENTAL ESPAÑA (Spanish mental health confederation)Free external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

SchizophreniaSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosisSchizophreniform disorderSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosisBrief psychotic disorderSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosisDelusional disorderSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosis

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.