RIS ID
103749
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and clinical correlations of catatonia in patients aged over 65 years who are referred to a consultation-liaison service within a regional area of Australia. Additionally, to examine if the use of standardised screening tools is likely to change the rate of diagnosis of catatonia within the consultation-liaison service. Methods: One hundred and eight referrals from general hospital wards were assessed using the Bush-Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument (BFCSI) and associated examination; each consented patient was screened for catatonic symptoms. If two or more signs were present on the BFCSI, then severity was rated using the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale. These clinical characteristics were compared with their socio-demographic and medical data. Results: Prevalence of catatonia was 5.5%. The most common symptoms appeared to be rigidity, posturing and immobility (67% of cases), and were elicited through routine psychiatric examination. Conclusions: Routine psychiatric history and examination are likely sufficient to elicit catatonic signs in a consultation-liaison setting. Standardised screening examination may be more suited for conducting research or for use when examining for catatonia in psychiatric inpatient settings.
Publication Details
Kaelle, J., Abujam, A., Ediriweera, H. & Macfarlane, M. D. (2016). Prevalence and symptomatology of catatonia in elderly patients referred to a consultation-liaison psychiatry service. Australasian Psychiatry, 24 (2), 164-167.