The dictionary of the Spanish language defines catalepsy as “a sudden nervous accident, of a hysterical nature, which suspends sensations and immobilizes the body in any position it is placed in.” But what do we know about this disorder? And why has it caused terror throughout history?
In Psychology-Online, we update you on this strange disease, in which it seems that the person in this state has died and, however, is still alive. Keep reading to find out What is catalepsy, its symptoms, causes and treatment.
What is catalepsy
Catalepsy is a central nervous system disorder which is characterized by the loss of mobility and sensation of the body. The person who suffers from it suffers from bodily paralysis, the muscles harden and tense making them unable to make any movement. Additionally, pain sensitivity appears to be reduced.
Breathing and pulse slow down and the skin loses color. Therefore, the subject’s condition is similar to that of a deceased person and can create confusion if the symptoms are not known. In fact, throughout history there have been cases of people being buried alive when they have suffered an attack of catalepsy.
The most curious thing about the cataleptic state is that, although the subject does not respond to stimuli or manage to move, they are aware of everything that happens because they can see and hear it.
For all of the above, catalepsy has been known as “apparent death” and has caused terror for many years. So much so that for around 40 years the fear of being buried alive spread. So, to prevent that from happening, they created the so-called “safety coffins.” These coffins had an alarm system consisting of a rope inside the coffin, within reach of the deceased, connected to a bell or flag that was placed outside so that the person in charge of the cemetery in question could see and hear it. Catalepsy could last several days and without the means we have now there could be errors regarding the diagnosis of death. If it were the case that he woke up inside the coffin, the supposed corpse could pull the rope and ring the bell or raise the flag, which would allow it to be unearthed, saving his life.
Even these days, there are some people of a certain age who fear that something similar could happen to them. However, the reality is that it is not a serious disorder; those who suffer from it can recover normally once the condition is identified. Furthermore, thanks to great advances in science in general and medicine in particular, a misdiagnosis of death is almost impossible. In a short time, you can check for activity in both the brain and the heart.
Symptoms of catalepsy
There have been cases of catalepsy in healthy people without any other illness. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of catalepsy to differentiate it from fainting or death:
- Rigidity.
- Loss of control over the limbs and muscles in general.
- Inability to respond to stimuli.
- Pallor.
- Decreased breathing and heart rate.
- Insensitivity to pain.
- Waxy flexibility: if a limb moves, it stays in that position.
Causes of catalepsy
More than a disease in itself, catalepsy It is a symptom of some pathology of the nervous system How can he be?
On the other hand, it is related to disorders such as , and severe symptoms of psychosis.
It is also characteristic of patients in rehabilitation treatment for alcohol or cocaine consumption, as part of the withdrawal syndrome.
There are some circumstances that, as with other conditions, increase the likelihood of experiencing catalepsy:
- Be going through major depression.
- Sleep apnea.
- Experiencing very intense emotions (extreme emotional shock).
- The obesity.
Treatment of catalepsy
When a case of catalepsy occurs, it is important that a professional make an urgent evaluation of the patient’s condition, taking into account the symptoms they present and checking if there is activity in the body with tests such as electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram. First, to rule out death and then to find out what the disease or disorder is behind it.
As we saw before, catalepsy is not a disease in itself, therefore, does not have a specific treatment. The treatments administered will be directed toward the disease that caused the episode.
If the main disease is related to the nervous system, as is the case with Parkinson’s and epilepsy, muscle relaxants They are beneficial as has been proven.
When the main diagnosis has to do with disorders related to mental health such as schizophrenia, psychosis, etc., the recommended treatment includes the administration of antipsychotics and psychotherapy sessions.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Catalepsy: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatmentwe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- American Psychiatric Association (1995). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV). Barcelona: MASSON
- American Psychiatric Association (2014). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) (Fifth Edition). Madrid: Panamericana Medical Editorial.