catalepsy

a mental disorder in which the person enters a trance - like state. The body becomes rigid, like a statue, and the limbs, if moved, stay in the position in which they are placed. There is no sense of recognition or sensation and there is a loss of voluntary control. The vital body functions are shut down to a minimum level necessary for life and, in fact, may be so low as to resemble death. The condition is brought on by severe mental trauma, either as a result of a sudden SHOCK or by a more prolonged DEPRESSION . It may last for minutes or hours or, rarely, for several days.