PREVALENCE OF CATATONIC SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN DRUG NAIVE/ DRUG FREE PERSONS SUFFERING FROM SCHIZOPHRENIA IN ADULT PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC

Dr Manish Kumar; Dr.(Prof.) D.Ram

Volume : IX, Issue : III, March - 2019

PREVALENCE OF CATATONIC SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN DRUG NAIVE/ DRUG FREE PERSONS SUFFERING FROM SCHIZOPHRENIA IN ADULT PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC

Dr Manish Kumar, Dr. Prof. D. Ram

Abstract :

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of catatonic signs and symptoms in drug naïve/drug free persons suffering from schizophrenia and its association with clinical and socio–demographic variables. Method: A total of 5043 patients were screened during 8 months period, out of which 61 adults suffering from schizophrenia who gave informed consent were taken up for the study. They were assessed for presence of catatonic symptoms from a key relative using Bush Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument (BFCSI) and then were examined for catatonic signs with Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS). Subjects who had at least two catatonic signs were considered as displaying catatonic features. Severity of psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: 23 out of 61 subjects had catatonic features (37.3% of total sample). Catatonic signs were found to be more frequently present in persons having Undifferentiated and Catatonic subtypes. Catatonic signs were significantly more frequent in males and in subjects with higher mean PANSS negative, general psychopathology and total scores. Conclusion: The prevalence of catatonic signs and symptoms in drug naïve/drug free persons suffering from schizophrenia in adult psychiatric is 37.3% and inturn reflects that catatonic phenomenon are still prevalent among them. It also shows correlation of catatonic phenomenon with severity of psychopathology. Further studies with larger sample size needs to be done to give greater credence to results.