Catatonia is most often characterized by which symptom?

• A. Heightened activity
• B. Unresponsiveness
• C. Delusions
• D. Euphoria

Answer: (B)

Catatonia centers on a severe reduction in movement and responsiveness. The hallmark is marked unresponsiveness or stupor—being motionless, often mute, and showing little or no reaction to people or surroundings. This stands in contrast to symptoms like heightened activity (which points to mania or agitation), delusions (a psychotic symptom not specific to catatonia), or euphoria (mood elevation seen in mania). While catatonia can include other motor signs such as mutism, waxy flexibility, or posturing, the core idea you should recognize is the profound lack of responsiveness.