Catatonia is an observable insensitivity to external stimuli in a person who is actually awake. Undiagnosed catatonia can increase morbidity and mortality that need an effective screening of patients for its presence. A very recent article appeared in the Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma indicates that a large number of physicians do not have the experience required to identify and apply the terminology describing catatonia.
Subsequently, these physicians do not recognize and treat this syndrome. Although the article reports the situation in a country other than India, it is equally important to raise the same question in the Indian context. Please suggest few methods of screening catatonia?
