Case Study: Distinguishing Catatonia-like Symptoms from Catatonia in a Schizophrenia Patient with Guillain–Barré Syndrome

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Schizophrenia can present with catatonia, characterized by symptoms like mutism and immobility, complicating diagnosis when comorbid conditions exist.
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Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) can mimic catatonia due to severe motor impairment, leading to diagnostic challenges in psychiatric patients.
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A 28-year-old man with schizophrenia experienced a severe episode of mutism and immobility due to concurrent GBS, initially misdiagnosed as a psychiatric relapse.
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Timely neurologic evaluation and lumbar puncture are crucial for differentiating between psychiatric symptoms and underlying medical conditions like GBS.
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The case highlights the importance of comprehensive assessments in patients with psychiatric histories presenting with acute neurological symptoms.

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