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Description of Catalepsy
A mental disorder in which a person enters a trancelike state.
Persons most commonly affected by Catalepsy - adults of both sexes and all age groups.
Organ or part of body involved in Catalepsy - brain and central nervous system, whole body.
Symptoms and indications of Catalepsy
The body becomes rigid like a statue and the limbs, if moved, stay in the position in which they are placed. There is no sense of recognition or sensation and a loss of voluntary control.
The vital body functions are shut down to a minimum level necessary for life and, in fact, may be so low as to resemble death. The condition may last for minutes, hours or, rarely, several days. A person with catalepsy requires medical help.
Treatment of Catalepsy
Usually occurs in the context of the underlying disease or disorder with which the catalepsy is associated.
Causes and risk factors of Catalepsy
Catalepsy may accompany severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Also, it is brought on by severe mental trauma, either as a result of a sudden shock or by a more prolonged depression. Occasionally it may accompany epilepsy.
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