A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What is a characteristic movement pattern observed in patients with catatonic schizophrenia?

1. Rigid posture

2. Unusual movements

3. Excessive talking

4. Extreme lethargy

The correct answer is: Unusual movements

The characteristic movement pattern observed in patients with catatonic schizophrenia is best represented by unusual movements. Catatonia can manifest as a variety of motor symptoms, including both excessive movement and a lack of normal movement. Patients may exhibit stereotypical movements, bizarre postures, or even waxy flexibility, where they can maintain positions for extended periods. This unusual presentation is a hallmark of catatonic states. While rigid posture, excessive talking, and extreme lethargy can be associated with other psychiatric conditions or different types of schizophrenia, they do not encapsulate the broader range of movement abnormalities seen specifically in catatonia. Catatonic symptoms can include not just rigidity or lethargy but also abnormal, purposeless movements or a distinctly different way of interacting with their environment, which underscores the uniqueness of the motor responses in catatonic schizophrenia.