Which term describes periods of extreme restlessness and purposeless motor activity?

• A. Catatonia
• B. Catatonic excitement
• C. Tardive dyskinesia
• D. Stupor

Answer: (B)

Catatonic excitement describes periods of extreme restlessness and purposeless motor activity. This hyperactive form of catatonia is seen in some cases of schizophrenia and mood disorders, where agitation, pacing, and aimless movements occur even though the person may still appear emotionally detached or unresponsive in other ways. This differs from stupor, which is marked by a dramatic reduction in movement and responsiveness, and from the broader catatonia spectrum that also includes features like mutism, waxy flexibility, and negativism. Tardive dyskinesia involves involuntary, repetitive movements (often of the face and tongue) typically after long-term antipsychotic use and does not describe the described restlessness and purposeless activity.