Catatonia in Older Adults: Syndrome of Movement and Behavior

GOBHI Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative Training Series 2026 Part I. Build your knowledge and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of older adults.

Catatonia in Older Adults: Syndrome of Movement and Behavior
Speaker: Ruthy Lindvall

Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome involving changes in movement, behavior, speech, and responsiveness. Although often associated with severe mental illness, it is frequently under‑recognized in older adults, where it can overlap with medical conditions or be mistaken for delirium or dementia. Early identification is essential, as catatonia is highly treatable when recognized promptly.

In this session, we’ll review how catatonia presents in older adults, key signs to look for, and how to differentiate it from other conditions. We’ll cover risk factors, assessment tools, practical bedside evaluation strategies, and current treatment approaches. Case examples will help illustrate real‑world application and support clinical decision making. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to recognize, assess, and respond to catatonia in late life.

MHACHBO CEUs
NASW CEUs pending*