Mental or Behavioral Dysfunction
catalepsy Audio
cat·a·lep·sy [ kat-l-ep-see ]
Subclass of:
Dyskinetic syndrome
Etymology:
Greek kata = down + lepsis = seizure
Definitions related to catalepsy:
  • A condition characterized by inactivity, decreased responsiveness to stimuli, and a tendency to maintain an immobile posture. The limbs tend to remain in whatever position they are placed (waxy flexibility). Catalepsy may be associated with PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS (e.g., SCHIZOPHRENIA, CATATONIC), nervous system drug toxicity, and other conditions.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • A nervous system disorder characterized by diminished responsiveness and consciousness, and rigidity of the body.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Condition in which persons maintain the body position into which they are placed; observed in severe cases of catatonic schizophrenia. Also called waxy flexibility and cerea flexibilitas. See also command automatism.
    Sadock's Comprehensive Glossary of Psychiatry and Psychology
    BJ Sadock Titles Press, 2012
  • Diminished responsiveness characterized by trancelike states and by rigidity of muscles; patient tends to remain in any position in which he is placed.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.