CATALEPSY (Lat., from Gk. Kan12.lpfac, hatalt7psis, seizure, from Rare, hate, down -1- ?lp. pitmen', lambanein, to take). A eondition of par tial or complete unconsciousness, in which the patient voluntarily assumes, or may be caused to assume, au attitude which he retains for several minutes. It occurs in hysteria (q.v.), or under the influence of hypnotism (q. v.) more commonly, but is also seen in atonic melancholia (q.v.) and a variety of mania called katatonia. The patient may assume the attitude of atten tion, with hand and forefinger raised as if to command silence, or may raise the arm as if to protect himself. etc. In all instances the facial expression comports with the gesture, and the whole body remains rigid till the arm falls slowly by gravity and relaxation. An arm or leg may be slowly remised into a position which will be retained for several minutes. if the sub
conscious condition lasts over a day, as in the eases oeeurring in insane patients, they must he fed with the stomach-pump. Circulation, respi ration, urination, defecation, and digestion con tinue normally. Trance, lethargy, and the sleep that is prolonged for days are all cataleptic states, and are due to hysteria or to auto-hyp nosis. It is within ihe range of possibility that this condition may be mistaken for death; but ordinary tests will easily decide, though the sensibility for pain or heat may he lost. In many eases the patients hear and respond to suggestion. All prolonged cases should be fed artificially, and close scrutiny will result in the detection of simulation in some instances. The immediate cause of catalepsy is unknown. Con salt Dana, Text-book of Nervous Diseases (New York, 1901).