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Waxy flexibility is a symptom of catatonia, often associated with mood disorders. It involves being moved into different positions and holding them for a period of time. It can lead to serious complications, but treatment with medication and nursing care can be effective.
Waxy flexibility is a strange condition in which people can be moved, as if made of softened wax, into different positions which they then hold for a certain amount of time. The positions can be quite extreme or uncomfortable, but the person will hold them and stay still. Waxy flexibility is one of a variety of symptoms associated with the condition catatonia. Catatonia and waxy flexibility can occur in people who have mental health problems such as depression and mania. Sometimes catatonia can be associated with the serious mental illness known as schizophrenia, in which case the illness is described as catatonic schizophrenia.
Although it is commonly recognized as one of the symptoms of catatonic schizophrenia, waxy flexibility occurs more often in people who have a mood disorder with catatonic behavior. Symptoms of catatonia, including waxy flexibility, can also be caused by medications, brain problems, and medical conditions such as low sodium levels. It’s not fully understood exactly how waxy pliancy develops in the body, but some researchers think it may arise as a result of chemical changes in the brain. Others think it could be a throwback to the days when humans were chased by predatory animals, causing extreme fear. In this type of situation, involving dangerous animals that are alerted by movement, standing still like a wax figure could be a very useful way to avoid being eaten.
People with waxy flexibility assume an immobile posture and show a diminished response to stimuli, meaning they appear unaware of what is happening around them. Even when a doctor moves one of their limbs, patients don’t respond but simply assume the new position and hold it. Unfortunately, this extreme lack of mobility can have serious consequences.
Complications can arise when patients are unable to move for long periods, the most obvious being an extreme lack of food and fluids. The skin can also suffer, with constant pressure and possibly incontinence causing ulcers to develop. Immobility can also lead to blood clots in the legs and lungs, which can sometimes be fatal. Pneumonia and heart attacks may also occur.
Treatment of waxy flexibility and catatonia can be challenging. Medications may be helpful in some cases, but nursing care is also important. Food and liquids can be given through a vein. Most patients recover, but catatonia often recurs, especially in people who have the condition associated with a mood disorder.
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