We present the results of a systematic search for quasars in the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey exhibiting both strong photometric variability and spectroscopic variability over a decadal baseline. We identify 111 sources with specific patterns of optical and mid-infrared photometric behaviour and a defined spectroscopic change. These 'changing-state' quasars (CSQs) form a higher luminosity sample to complement existing sets of 'changing-look' AGNs and quasars in the literature. The CSQs (by selection) exhibit larger photometric variability than the changing-look quasars (CLQs). The spectroscopic variability is marginally stronger in the CSQs than CLQs as defined by the change in H{beta}/[OIII] ratio. We find 48 sources with declining H{beta} flux and 63 sources with increasing H{beta} flux, and discover 8 sources with z>0.8, further extending the redshift arm. Our CSQ sample compares to the literature CLQ objects in similar distributions of H{beta} flux ratios and differential Eddington ratios between high (bright) and low (dim) states. Taken as a whole, we find that this population of extreme varying quasars is associated with changes in the Eddington ratio and the time-scales imply cooling/heating fronts propagating through the disc.

Cone search capability for table J/MNRAS/491/4925/table2 (CSQs selected in CRTS and associated features)

Cone search capability for table J/MNRAS/491/4925/tablea1 (CLQs reported in the literature with CRTS coverage and associated features)

Cone search capability for table J/MNRAS/491/4925/tableb1 (Spectroscopic observations of CSQ candidates)