Catatonia is a syndrome of motor dysregulation (mutism, peculiar postures, repetitive speech, negativism and imitative movements), and is found in as many as ten per cent of acutely ill psychiatric inpatients. Although its classification has been controversial, the identification of catatonia is not difficult, but it is often missed, leading to the false notion that the syndrome is rare. Catatonia has various presentations, and may be caused by many neurologic and general medical conditions, most commonly mood disorder. Treatments are well defined, and when used, catatonia has an excellent prognosis. This book, by two leading neuropsychiatrists, describes the features of catatonia, teaches the reader how to identify and treat the syndrome successfully, and describes its neurobiology. Patient vignettes from the authors' practices, and many from the classical literature, illustrate the principles of diagnosing and treating patients with catatonia. It is an essential clinical reference for psychiatrists and neurologists.

'… an excellent book on catatonia. The book is a very interesting and clinically relevant review of the authors' extensive experience in the research and treatment of this neuropsychiatric illness … Authors Fink and Taylor provide us with valuable clinical experience and information for an improved understanding and a more effective treatment of this form of psychosis.'

Source: Psychological Medicine

'The book succeeds in its purpose and I highly recommend it for those who treat acutely ill patients …'

Source: Doody's

'… this book can be warmly recommended to all clinicians working in the field of neurology and psychiatry, indeed a case could be made that it should be required reading.'

Source: Journal of Neurology