Side-by-side review

Compare two specifiers

Find the deciding clinical difference.

Ask this

Is the central pattern “a clustered psychomotor syndrome” or “delusions or hallucinations within a mood episode”?

Catatonia

A marked psychomotor syndrome is present and needs structured, time-sensitive assessment.

Episode features

Psychotic features

Delusions or hallucinations occur during a severe mood episode and require explicit risk and diagnostic review.

Episode features

Clinical focus

AA clustered psychomotor syndrome

BDelusions or hallucinations within a mood episode

Time course

AAcute or subacute change requiring close observation

BMapped directly against mood-episode onset and remission

Look for

AImmobility, posturing, negativism, echophenomena, stereotypy, agitation without purpose

BConviction, perceptual disturbance, behavioural impact, congruence

Do not overcall from

ADo not equate quietness, mutism, or immobility alone with catatonia

BSevere guilt, rumination, or intrusive thoughts are not automatically psychotic

Example wording

Bipolar I disorder, current episode depressed, with catatonia

Open full guide

Example wording

Major depressive disorder, current episode, severe with psychotic features

Open full guide

Browse the map Build diagnostic wording

Side-by-side review

Compare two specifiers

Find the deciding clinical difference.

Ask this

Is the central pattern “a clustered psychomotor syndrome” or “delusions or hallucinations within a mood episode”?

Catatonia

A marked psychomotor syndrome is present and needs structured, time-sensitive assessment.

Episode features

Psychotic features

Delusions or hallucinations occur during a severe mood episode and require explicit risk and diagnostic review.

Episode features

Clinical focus

AA clustered psychomotor syndrome

BDelusions or hallucinations within a mood episode

Time course

AAcute or subacute change requiring close observation

BMapped directly against mood-episode onset and remission

Look for

AImmobility, posturing, negativism, echophenomena, stereotypy, agitation without purpose

BConviction, perceptual disturbance, behavioural impact, congruence

Do not overcall from

ADo not equate quietness, mutism, or immobility alone with catatonia

BSevere guilt, rumination, or intrusive thoughts are not automatically psychotic

Example wording

Bipolar I disorder, current episode depressed, with catatonia

Open full guide

Example wording

Major depressive disorder, current episode, severe with psychotic features

Open full guide

Browse the map Build diagnostic wording