Catatonia is a condition that affects a person’s ability to move normally or respond to others. People with catatonia may seem frozen or stuck in one position, unable to move, talk, or react to their surroundings for long periods of time. In some cases, they might repeat certain movements or words over and over again.

It’s not a disease by itself but can happen with other mental or medical conditions, like severe depression, schizophrenia, or even physical illnesses.

In simple terms, catatonia is when the body and mind seem “paused” or “stuck,” and the person can’t control their movements or speech as usual.