Prevalence of catatonia in the sample of patients admitted to the psychiatric institute of Ain Shams University Hospital: a 2 year hospital based descriptive study

Abstract Background Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome associated with a range of psychiatric and medical disorders. The difficulties in the clinical diagnosis, conceptualization and management of catatonia have been described as “The catatonic dilemma”. Despite its clinical importance, data on prevalence and risk factors remain limited. Objective This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of catatonia among psychiatric inpatients through the coming two years since February 2019 and to identify associated clinical and demographic correlates affecting the prevalence of catatonia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among psychiatric inpatients at the Institute of Psychiatry of Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. All participants were systematically assessed using the Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) in conjunction with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria (The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Axis I Disorders (SCID- 1) and Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM (SCID-II)). Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial data were collected and analyzed. Results Catatonia was diagnosed in 4.4% of inpatients (95% CI: 3.28–5.86). Catatonic patients were significantly younger (median 23 years) than non-catatonic patients (median 32 years). They were also more likely to have abnormal prenatal and postnatal histories, higher crowding indices ( P = 0.007), and authoritarian paternal control ( P = 0.032), while non-catatonic patients were more frequently employed. No significant differences were observed regarding gender, marital status, education, scholastic or developmental history, maternal control, or parental consanguinity. Conclusion Catatonia is a prevalent and clinically important condition among psychiatric inpatients in Egypt. The prevalence of catatonia differs according to different populations and across time. Its association with younger age, adverse early-life factors, and specific psychosocial correlates illustrates the importance of systematic screening and comprehensive management strategies. Up to now, there are no major studies correlates the causes of catatonia with these factors therefore, there is a great need to perform other major studies about catatonia in different aspects.