Catatonic schizophrenia: case report

Abstract

Objective: To describe a case of Catatonic Schizophrenia in a young man. Methodology: The case report is observational in nature and was approved by the ethics committee of a public institution in Alagoas. The case was followed up at the Dr. Alberto Magalhães Mental Health Outpatient Clinic, part of the Portugal Ramalho School Hospital complex. The patient was recruited through an active search and informed, as was his guardian, about the information relating to the research. The signed authorization was requested by the researchers through an interview based on the principles of medical consultation, with all the students and one of the supervisors present. A secondary source of data was consulted and clinical information on admission, hospitalization and discharge summaries recorded in medical records reviewed at the hospital were used. Case Report: Male patient, 28 years old, single, no children. Accompanied by his mother who reports episodes of recent "outbreaks", having invaded churches, establishments and destroyed property. He also reports psychomotor agitation and aggression. He speaks incomprehensibly and is indifferent to questions. Sometimes he remains silent and inert. At other times, he soliloquized and changed the tone of his voice. He didn't accept medication, was restless and left the house several times with dromomania. Approximately 15 days ago, he started not bathing and not eating, accepting only water.  Discussion: The previous diagnosis of schizophrenia strengthened the main diagnostic hypothesis of a catatonic state related to schizophrenia. There was marked impairment of mental, physical and social integrity, since the patient did not eat properly, had impaired personal hygiene, inadequate posture and attitude, with motor activity based on stereotypes and mannerisms, as well as catatonic rage, stupor, negativism and automatic obedience. Conclusions: Therefore, managing schizophrenia, and being aware of the various presentations, enables quality care, providing dignified well-being for the individual.