Catatonia is a severe psychomotor syndrome characterized by abnormalities in movement,
posture, and behavioral inhibition. Although adult manifestations of catatonia are well
documented, little is known about the early developmental processes that precede its emergence. Increasing evidence suggests that disturbances in motor maturation, neuromodulatory balance, and stress regulation during early life may predispose individuals to later catatonic pathology. In this study, we propose a longitudinal experimental framework to examine whether neonatal neurodevelopmental abnormalities can predict adult catatonic phenotypes in a genetic rat model of catatonia. Behavioral, neurochemical, hormonal, and somatic parameters are assessed during early postnatal life and related to catatonia-like outcomes measured in adulthood. This approach aims to establish a developmental continuum linking neonatal dysfunction to adult psychopathology, thereby providing a foundation for early risk identification and preventive intervention strategies.
