I’m seeing things I don’t want to see and I am scared, scared for Molly.

I am predicting she has excited catatonia, now let me see……

The most commonly seen manifestation of catatonia in autism is a gradual deterioration/breakdown in functioning.

While both excited catatonia and a bipolar high can involve increased energy and agitation, the key difference lies in the purposelessness and bizarre behavior often seen in excited catatonia, where actions are not driven by a clear goal or rational thought, whereas a bipolar high typically presents with a more goal-oriented, though potentially excessive, energy and enthusiasm, often accompanied by grandiosity and racing thoughts, while still maintaining some level of coherent thought process. 

Key points to differentiate: 

• Purposeful vs. purposeless behavior:In a bipolar high, the person’s increased activity usually has a purpose, even if exaggerated, while in excited catatonia, actions can be bizarre, repetitive, and seemingly without a goal, like repetitive hand movements or odd posturing. 
• Cognition:A bipolar high usually involves clear, albeit rapid, thinking with potential grandiosity, while excited catatonia can include confusion, disorganized thinking, and difficulty communicating effectively. 
• Emotional state:A bipolar high is often accompanied by euphoria and intense happiness, while excited catatonia may manifest with agitation, aggression, or even a flat affect. 

Important considerations: 

• Overlap can occur:Sometimes, a severe manic episode in bipolar disorder can exhibit catatonic features, blurring the lines between the two conditions. 
• Medical evaluation is crucial:If experiencing symptoms of either excited catatonia or a bipolar high, seeking professional medical evaluation is vital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

I have called Carlton Clinic tonight, they advised to call the team who know her best on Monday first thing.

My main concern is obviously her current presentation and the constant sickness, questioning what if any, of her medication is she managing to absorb?

Extremely worried C x