Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast Catatonia in Children and Teens
Jun 27, 2025
Dr. Joshua Ryan Smith, a child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in catatonia and autism at Vanderbilt University, sheds light on the often-overlooked condition of catatonia in youth. He discusses its misdiagnosis and the critical need for accurate identification, especially in neurodivergent children. The conversation delves into effective assessment tools, including the Bush-Francis scale, and highlights the importance of distinguishing catatonia from typical behaviors associated with autism. Practical treatment strategies, including medication and ECT, are also explored.
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Catatonia Defined and Caused
- Catatonia is a syndrome with fluctuating psychomotor activity, occurring only with an underlying condition.
- It can be caused by medical illnesses like NMDA receptor encephalitis or psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Differentiate Catatonia from Delirium
- Use specific assessment tools like the Bush-Francis and Vanderbilt Delirium scales to differentiate catatonia from delirium.
- Physical exam findings like waxy flexibility help distinguish catatonia and inform cautious treatment choices.
Core Pediatric Catatonia Symptoms
- Key symptoms of catatonia in kids include reduced verbal communication and oral intake.
- Symptoms can range from stuporous with limited movement to hyperactive behaviors like aggression and impulsivity.