I think that, often, physical conditions, undiagnosed, cause the extreme loss of energy that make it virtually impossible to get out of bed. These conditions accompany and contribute to, depression. As a former psych. SW, I had a patient whose increasing stays in bed with depression heralded the onset of the catatonia which accompanied her depressive states. She literally became increasingly unable to move. I have seen multiple patients with similar symptomology. Finally, I think it is possible that this form of retreat and immobility may reflect a passive form of suicidal behavior, particularly when accompanied by inability to eat. This does not mean that suicide results but only that the person is taking flight from life, insofar as is possible without committing an active act. This last is only a thought. billieJ