CATATONIC SYMPTOMS IN AFFECTIVE-DISORDERS - EXAMINATION OF DSM-IV CRITERIA FROM A PSYCHOPATHOLOGICAL STANDPOINT

In the classification of mood disorders, symptomatological criteria ar e stressed by DSM-IV. Taking the newly introduced criteria for cataton ic features as an example, critical comment is made on the DSM-IV proc edure from a psychopathological perspective. Some catatonic symptoms c an only be delineated at will, while others are ignored. With operatio nalized criteria, the use of complex psychopathological phenomena (e.g . negativism) along with relatively easily comprehensible symptoms (e. g, mutism) gives rise to special problems. Basically, the problem of w hich psychomotor symptoms have to be regarded as catatonic has yet to be clarified. The question also arises of whether the algorithm of the DSM-IV is in accordance with the importance of the respective symptom s in identifying a mood disorder as catatonic. The relationship betwee n catatonic and other depressive symptoms, especially depressive mood, is also discussed.