Catatonic excitement is best described as which of the following?

• A. Periods of severe withdrawal and mutism
• B. Periods of extreme restlessness and purposeless motor activity
• C. Periods of dreamlike states
• D. Periods of persistent sadness

Answer: (B)

Catatonia can include a range of psychomotor symptoms, with one extreme being catatonic excitement. When this form appears, the person shows marked restlessness and purposeless motor activity—rapid, aimless movements, pacing, and agitation that aren’t driven by a clear purpose. This describes the active, energized end of the catatonia spectrum.

The other descriptions fit different states: mutism and withdrawal align more with a stupor or severe immobility; dreamlike states resemble delirium or certain dissociative experiences; persistent sadness points to a mood disorder like depression. So the description that best captures catatonic excitement is periods of extreme restlessness and purposeless motor activity.