Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by mental, motor and behavioral symptoms. It occurs in up to 18 % of acute admissions and is most frequently associated with affective and psychotic disorders. It is also seen in dissociative disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, mental retardation and organic psychiatric disorders. Catatonic syndromes are impressive states that can be reliably and validly diagnosed both clinically and with psychometric measurements and they can be treated effectively. Despite this, they are often not recognized in clinical practice, are not part of the therapeutic strategy and thus remain untreated. The following article is intended to give a review of the most pertinent questions related to the diagnosis and treatment of catatonia in order to improve clinicians' ability to recognize and treat catatonic symptoms and syndromes adequately.