Which of the following is a characteristic behavior of a person with catatonic schizophrenia?

• A. Periods of extreme immobility or excessive motor activity
• B. Grandiose delusions and inflated self-esteem
• C. Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• D. Repetitive hand-washing due to intrusive thoughts

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that catatonic schizophrenia is a subtype of schizophrenia characterized primarily by disturbances in motor behavior.
2. Identify the key features of catatonic schizophrenia, which include periods of extreme immobility (also called stupor) or excessive, purposeless motor activity.
3. Compare the options given: recognize that grandiose delusions and inflated self-esteem are more typical of manic episodes or bipolar disorder, not catatonic schizophrenia.
4. Note that persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness are symptoms commonly associated with depression, not catatonic schizophrenia.
5. Recognize that repetitive hand-washing due to intrusive thoughts is a hallmark of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), not catatonic schizophrenia.