What specifier is used when a psychotic disorder presents with marked psychomotor disturbance and three or more catatonic features?

What specifier is used when a psychotic disorder presents with marked psychomotor disturbance and three or more catatonic features?

• A. With Catatonia Specifier
• B. With Mood Disorder Specifier
• C. With Delirium Specifier
• D. With Positive Symptom Specifier

Answer: (A)

Catatonia is a pattern of severe psychomotor disturbance that appears in some psychotic disorders. The key feature is marked motor abnormality, defined by at least three catatonic signs such as stupor or immobility, waxy flexibility, mutism, negativism, posturing, and echolalia or echopraxia. When a psychotic disorder presents with this catatonic syndrome, the proper descriptor is “With Catatonia Specifier.” This label helps clinicians recognize the distinct clinical picture and tailor treatment (for example, considering benzodiazepines or ECT), rather than applying a mood- or delirium-centered framing. The other specifiers describe different contexts—mood-dominant illness, delirium, or other symptom domains—and don’t capture the catatonic motor pattern that defines this presentation.

Catatonia is a pattern of severe psychomotor disturbance that appears in some psychotic disorders. The key feature is marked motor abnormality, defined by at least three catatonic signs such as stupor or immobility, waxy flexibility, mutism, negativism, posturing, and echolalia or echopraxia. When a psychotic disorder presents with this catatonic syndrome, the proper descriptor is “With Catatonia Specifier.” This label helps clinicians recognize the distinct clinical picture and tailor treatment (for example, considering benzodiazepines or ECT), rather than applying a mood- or delirium-centered framing. The other specifiers describe different contexts—mood-dominant illness, delirium, or other symptom domains—and don’t capture the catatonic motor pattern that defines this presentation.