the ground, came out of the stupor explaining that the forces of the world were battling on the back of his hand. He was deathly afraid that if he tilted his hand he would give the evil force an unfair advantage (Carson, et al. 454).Some withdrawn patients are highly susceptible to suggestion and will obey commands or imitate actions, a condition known as echopraxia, or mimic phrases, also known as echolalia. Ordinarily, patients in a catatonic stupor will refuse to comply with even the slightest request and pay no attention to bowel or bladder control. Facial expressions are typically vacant, and skin texture appears waxy.Schizophrenic patients with catatonia may suddenly switch from states of extreme withdrawn behavior to great excitement. During these episodes, they appear to be under great pressure to be active. Some patients become somewhat aggressive during this state. They tend to talk or shout excitedly and incoherently, pacing back and forth. It is not uncommon for patients to openly indulge in sexual activities, attempt self-mutilation or even suicide. The uncontrollable frenzy of these attacks make such patients dangerous to both themselves and others. Fortunately, these excited episodes are extremely rare and typically only last a few minutes or hours. However, cases have shown that a days' or weeks' endurance is not altogether impossible....
