[Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Catatonic Symptoms in Mania]

Objective: The study investigates the prevalence, clinical characteristics and implications of catatonic symptoms in mania.

Methods: Sixty-one in patients with DSM-III-R bipolar disorder, manic or mixed episode established by SCID were assessed for the presence of catatonia by a 21-item rating scale. Associated symptoms, comorbidity and severity of the manic episode were also systematically assessed.

Results: Nineteen patients fulfilled criteria for catatonic mania exhibiting between 5 and 16 catatonic symptoms. Catatonic manics had more mixed episodes, more severe manic symptoms, more general psychopathology, a higher prevalence of comorbidity, longer hospitalization and lower GAF-scores than the non-catatonics.

Conclusions: The results indicate that catatonic symptoms are a marker of a more severe course and outcome in mania.