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.
