[Catatonic syndrome].

Catatonia has been more studied in the past 10 years after a period of declining interest. This is due, on the one hand, to its inclusion in major psychiatric nosographic systems, and on the other hand, to the possibility to treat efficiently this condition, which was previously a fatal one. Catatonia is characterized by concurrent motor, emotional, and behavioural symptoms. This syndrome is commonly observed in persons with mood disorders, and less frequently in schizophrenia as well as in numerous neurological affections. A central dopaminergic dysfunction could explain the its apparition Catatonia is usually successfully treated by benzodiazepines and ECT.