Catatonia is a condition associated with a number of serious mental and physical illnesses. It is characterized by extreme and bizarre changes in muscle tone or activity. There are two specific types of catatonia--catatonic stupor and catatonic excitement. In catatonic stupor, the motor activity (movement) of an individual drastically slows or stops and the individual "freezes," becoming rigid and/or silent. In catatonic excitement, the individual experiences the opposite, becoming extremely hyperactive and potentially violent.

Symptoms of catatonia include odd ways of walking such as walking on tiptoes or pacing, and rarely, hopping and skipping. Repetitive odd movements of the fingers or hands may also indicate that catatonia is present Echopraxia (imitating the movement of others) and echolalia (parrot-like repetition of words spoken by others), are also common. Other signs and symptoms include selective mutism, negativism, facial grimaces, and animal-like noises.

Catatonic stupor is marked by immobility...