Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy in autistic catatonia: a case series review

[Electroconvulsive therapy in people with intellectual disability]

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment option for severe mental illness. Although people with intellectual disability (ID) have similar prevalence rates of mental disorders in comparison to the general population their access to ECT remains challenging. A systematic literature review was carried out on treatment with ECT in patients with ID and a case report on a patient with ID who underwent ECT is presented, to highlight a typical clinical routine. A total of 100 articles with 208 different case reports were retrieved. In summary, the results underline the effectiveness of ECT in people with ID, with side effects comparable to those in the general population. The ECT is effective in the treatment of severe affective and psychotic disorders and particularly in people with catatonia. The use of ECT can improve the patient's mental health and quality of life and is often a life-saving treatment option. The prophylaxis of relapses should be included as early as possible in the planning process. Providing an easy access to ECT treatment for people with ID is corroborated by its effectiveness and is in line with the right to equal treatment in accordance with article 25 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Diagnostic overshadowing clouding the efficient recognition of pediatric catatonia: a case series

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric condition that causes disruption of movement, emotion, and behaviors. Children and adults with underlying psychiatric conditions are particularly susceptible to developing catatonia, which may result in medical and psychiatric complications. Although catatonia research has been growing at a rapid rate in the last 20 years, it continues to be met with inefficiencies in its diagnosis and incertitude in its treatment. In the pediatric population, catatonia is plagued by diagnostic overshadowing, where the catatonia is erroneously attributed to existing pathologies that lead to a prolonged disease state. This paper describes three pediatric patients with catatonia that fell victim to diagnostic overshadowing. More rigorous training and education are imperative to improve the efficient recognition and treatment of children with catatonia.

Multiyear Evaluation of Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy in an Adult With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Catatonia, and Challenging Behavior

ABSTRACT

We report the case of a 30-year-old man diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) over a 4-year period to treat catatonia associated with life-threatening self-injury, aggression, major depression, and associated self-care, daily living, and communication skills deficits. A systematic schedule of maintenance ECT (m-ECT) was associated with elimination of challenging behavior, catatonic and depressive symptom remission, removal of protective equipment, and reduced dosages of psychotropic medications.

Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy, Developmental Regression, Depression and Catatonia in an Adolescent With Down Syndrome: A Case Report

This is a case report involving a 22-year-old male with a past medical history of Down syndrome and major depressive disorder who, at age 16, became preoccupied with returning to an infant-like state. He experienced a gradual deterioration in his mood over a year and began to show symptoms consistent with catatonia. These symptoms included waxy flexibility, hypokinesis, decreased appetite, mutism, and altered sleep habits. Pharmacologic therapy was initiated, and the patient experienced a waxing and waning pattern of improvement and regression. Over several years, various combinations of antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and second-generation antipsychotics were attempted. The patient and his family discontinued all medications except his benzodiazepine in early 2019 and decided to try electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). After more than 100 sessions of ECT between 2019 and 2022, the patient showed notable improvement in overall mood, and his appetite and sleep completely returned to baseline. His speech, affect, and movement also improved. With ECT, the patient showed the most sustained and substantial improvement in his catatonic symptoms. ECT has been historically shown to improve these types of symptoms in catatonic patients, including those who have Down syndrome. Often, clinicians do not consider the possibility of catatonia in patients with this type of presentation, which is unfortunate as misdiagnosis leads to increased morbidity. Additionally, there has not been much discussion of the optimal length of treatment and the necessity of slowly tapered maintenance therapy in the literature. This case report illustrates how catatonia can be a major cause of developmental regression in patients with Down syndrome and offers an example of a promising management strategy for the treatment of this condition.

Catatonia with Psychosis in an 8-Year-Old Child: A Case Report and a Literature Review

Objective

We present a narrative review of pediatric catatonia and a case report illustrating the complexity of management of psychosis in a child with catatonia.

Method

The literature search used the text terms pediatric, catatonia, and antipsychotics and the search engines PubMed and EBSCO. All references from peer-reviewed journals were reviewed for treatment strategies specific to management in children who are also psychotic. Findings. This 8-year-old girl presented with psychotic symptoms which were initially treated with antipsychotics and evolved into life-threatening catatonia that was eventually stabilized with a total daily dose of 46 mg of lorazepam. Lower doses led to recurrence. Once catatonia improved, she tolerated combined benzodiazepine and antipsychotic treatment. Long-term maintenance over 5 years required maintenance treatment with both benzodiazepines and antipsychotics to prevent relapse.

Conclusions

The extraordinary doses of benzodiazepines found to be optimal for management of catatonia in this child led to improved alertness and orientation, without evident sedation. Catatonia did not recur with later management of psychosis using neuroleptics when added to lorazepam. The current literature on pediatric catatonia does not provide guidance on dose maintenance or when and if to rechallenge with antipsychotics.

Electroconvulsive Therapy in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Current Literature and Guidelines

ABSTRACT

There is a lack of studies regarding the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in children and adolescents. In this study, we aimed to assess benefits and harms of ECT in children and adolescents with major psychiatric diseases. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for peer-reviewed articles written in English regarding the use of ECT as treatment for major psychiatric diseases in children and adolescents. This study consists of 192 articles, mostly case studies (n = 50), reviews and overview articles (n = 52), and retrospective studies (n = 30). We present an overview of evidence for ECT in children and adolescents with mood disorders, catatonia, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, self-injurious behavior, and other indications. This article is also a summary of international guidelines regarding the use of ECT in children and adolescents. We evaluated the overall quality of evidence by using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations and found the overall level of evidence to be of low quality. There are no absolute contra indications for ECT in children and adolescents. Fears regarding cognitive dysfunction have not been reproduced in studies. Electroconvulsive therapy should be considered in severe, treatment-resistant mood disorders, catatonia, and schizophrenia, especially in older adolescents. High-quality studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of ECT, especially in these potentially life-threatening diseases.

The Effects of Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy on Hospitalization Rates

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to study the effect of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (mECT) on hospitalization rates in patients who had been readmitted after acute courses of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and determine the most frequently used treatment schedules in mECT. Patients who had undergone mECT treatment for the last 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy patients were included in the study. The control group of 70 patients was selected from patients who received only acute ECT. Of the patients in the mECT group, 55.8% (39) were female, and 41.4% (29) were diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The mean number of patients hospitalized who received mECT after acute ECT was 0.55 ± 0.87, whereas it was 1.13 ± 1.31 in patients who received only pharmacotherapy after ECT in a covariant analysis adjusted for age and diagnosis. The most commonly used initial treatment protocol of mECT was weekly × 4, biweekly × 2, and monthly × 6. mECT is more effective in reducing hospitalization after acute ECT treatments than using psychotropic drugs alone for maintenance therapy.

Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy Is an Essential Medical Treatment for Patients With Catatonia: A COVID-19 Related Experience

Aim: Describe naturalistic clinical course over 14 weeks in a mixed adolescent and a young-adult patient group diagnosed with developmental delays and catatonia, when the frequency of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (M-ECT) was reduced secondary to 2020 COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Methods: Participants were diagnosed with catatonia, and were receiving care in a specialized clinic. They (n = 9), F = 5, and M = 4, ranged in age from 16 to 21 years; ECT frequency was reduced at end of March 2020 due to institutional restrictions. Two parents/caregivers elected to discontinue ECT due to concern for COVID-19 transmission. Majority (n = 8) were developmentally delayed with some degree of intellectual disability (ID). Observable symptoms were rated on a three point scale during virtual visits. Results: All cases experienced clinically significant decline. Worsening of motor symptoms (agitation, aggression, slowness, repetitive self-injury, stereotypies, speech deficits) emerged within the first 3 weeks, persisted over the 14 week observation period and were more frequent than neurovegetative symptoms (appetite, incontinence, sleep). Four participants deteriorated requiring rehospitalization, and 2 among these 4 needed a gastrostomy feeding tube. Conclusion: Moderate and severe symptoms became apparent in all 9 cases during the observation period; medication adjustments were ineffective; resuming M-ECT at each participant's baseline schedule, usually by week 7, resulted in progressive improvement in some cases but the improvement was insufficient to prevent re-hospitalization in 4 cases. In summary, rapid deterioration was noted when M-ECT was acutely reduced in the setting of COVID-19 related restrictions.

Electroconvulsive Therapy in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Indications and Special Considerations

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-tolerated, well-established, and efficacious treatment in adults, particularly in the setting of severe mood and psychotic disorders. In children and adolescents, however, ECT is infrequently administered and likely underutilized. Results from older studies evaluating the utility of ECT in children and adolescents were mixed, but recent studies have supported ECT treatment success in these patients, with particularly high response rates for treating depression. In this Perspectives, we discuss the current clinical indications for ECT in managing mood and psychotic disorders in children and adolescents. We then review the pretreatment evaluation and management of patients receiving ECT and examine the efficacy of ECT for those indications. We also address issues unique to children and adolescents, versus adults, that need to be considered when determining whether treatment with ECT is appropriate for a patient in this age group. Included in this context are the distinct side-effect profile in children and adolescents, ethical issues regarding informed consent, incorporating the child into the decision-making process when developmentally appropriate, and the need to take into account differing state jurisdictional processes.

Efficacy and Safety of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Adolescents: A Retrospective Chart Review Study From Turkey

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in manic, depressed, psychotic, and catatonic adolescent patients.

METHODS

Medical records of 78 adolescents who had received ECT in Department of Psychiatry, Gaziantep University Medical Faculty, during 2011 to 2017 were reviewed. Sixty-two subjects in this sample were identified to have complete records and met the study inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD age of subjects was 17.11 ± 1.04 years and female sex was 53.2% (n = 33). Primary the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnoses were bipolar mood disorders (n = 33, 53.2%), major depressive disorder (n = 16, 25.8%), schizophrenia (n = 8, 12.9%), and schizoaffective disorders (n = 5, 8.1%). Electroconvulsive therapy was significantly effective in treating manic, depressive, psychotic, and catatonia symptoms as evidenced by significant differences in pretreatment and posttreatment scores in outcome measures including Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (P < 0.001). Presence of comorbidity adversely affected treatment response (P = 0.001). However, ECT was also effective in those with comorbid diagnoses (P < 0.001). Depressive symptoms in patients with bipolar depression responded better than those with unipolar depression (P = 0.012). Electroconvulsive therapy was generally safe with subjective memory complaints (85%), headache (69%), and prolonged seizure (8%) as the reported adverse effects possibly related to ECT. Four subjects (6%) developed a manic switch during ECT.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective and a safe treatment option in adolescent patients with severe and resistant psychopathology. Although comorbidity may decrease treatment response, ECT seems to be effective even in the presence of multiple psychiatric diagnoses.

Multidisciplinary treatment plan for challenging behaviors in neurodevelopmental disorders

Among symptoms that patients with neurodevelopmental disorders can exhibit, challenging behaviors (CBs) are some of the more complex to face, both for caregivers and the patients themselves. They are more frequent in individuals with severe autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability, and during the transition period from late childhood to young adulthood. Here, we offer an overview of the therapeutic approaches proven worthy in managing CB. Topics include nonpharmacologic treatments (such as behavioral and family interventions), drug prescriptions, and specific intensive care for life-threatening situations, including inpatient stay in specialized neurobehavioral units. Then, we focus on rare, complex, and resistant clinical presentations, mainly based on the authors' clinical experience. We propose a multimodal intervention framework for these complex presentations, embracing developmental and dimensional approaches. A case presentation illustrates the proposed framework, with the aim of serving readers and health practitioners that are facing such cases.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Patients with Catatonia: Current Perspectives

Catatonia is a serious, common syndrome of motoric and behavioral dysfunction, which carries high morbidity and mortality. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the definitive treatment for catatonia, but access to ECT for the treatment of catatonia remains inappropriately limited. Catatonia is observable, detectable, and relevant to various medical specialties, but underdiagnosis impedes the delivery of appropriate treatment and heightens risk of serious complications including iatrogenesis. Current understanding of catatonia's pathophysiology links it to the current understanding of ECT's mechanism of action. Definitive catatonia care requires recognition of the syndrome, workup to identify and treat the underlying cause, and effective management including appropriate referral for ECT. Even when all of these conditions are met, and despite well-established data on the safety and efficacy of ECT, stigma surrounding ECT and legal restrictions for its use in catatonia are additional critical barriers. Addressing the underdiagnosis of catatonia and barriers to its treatment with ECT is vital to improving outcomes for patients. While no standardized protocols for treatment of catatonia with ECT exist, a large body of research guides evidence-based care and reveals where additional research is warranted. The authors conducted a review of the literature on ECT as a treatment for catatonia. Based on the review, the authors offer strategies and future directions for improving access to ECT for patients with catatonia, and propose an algorithm for the treatment of catatonia with ECT.

Lifesaving Electroconvulsive Therapy for a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Severe Self-Injurious Behavior, and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

We present a case of a preteen with autism spectrum disorder and severe self-injurious behavior who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome on antipsychotics and required urgent electroconvulsive therapy and continued maintenance electroconvulsive therapy for ongoing clinical stability.

Immunotherapy in selected patients with Down syndrome disintegrative disorder

Down syndrome disintegrative disorder (DSDD) is an increasingly identified condition characterized by cognitive decline, autistic characteristics, insomnia, catatonia, and psychosis in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. Previously we reported a higher rate of autoimmune thyroid disease in these patients compared with unaffected individuals with Down syndrome. We therefore hypothesized DSDD may in some cases be immune-mediated. Here we report four cases of DSDD treated with immunotherapy. Families were interviewed retrospectively for symptoms of cognitive decline, autism, catatonia, psychosis, and insomnia before and after treatment, using established scales where possible. Medical records were reviewed for evaluations and treatment. All four patients received intravenous immunoglobulin with or without additional immunotherapy. Significant improvements were seen in catatonia, insomnia, autistic features, cognition, and psychosis. In this small case series of patients with autoimmunity, core symptoms of DSDD improved significantly after immunotherapy. This supports the hypothesis that, in some patients, DSDD is immune-mediated. Immunotherapy should be considered in the treatment of DSDD, particularly in patients with a history of autoimmunity. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Immunotherapy may improve symptoms of catatonia, insomnia, autism severity, cognitive decline, and psychosis in Down syndrome disintegrative disorder.

Electroconvulsive Treatment for Catatonia in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Catatonia has been increasingly recognized in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Assessment, diagnosis, and treatments are reviewed and illustrated with 2 new case vignettes. The use of electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) is recommended in patients who fail to respond to medical treatments, including a trial of lorazepam or another benzodiazepine. The importance of maintenance ECT is discussed. There is an urgent need for prospective studies of catatonia in ASD and for controlled treatment trials.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Catatonia in Children and Adolescents

Catatonia may be more common in children and adolescents than previously thought. A boost for the recognition of pediatric catatonia comes from changes in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, facilitating the diagnosis in a wide range of pediatric and adult patients with associated developmental and autistic spectrum disorders; and schizophrenic, affective, and medical disorders. The current status, assessment, and treatment of pediatric catatonia are described. Two case vignettes illustrate diagnostic assessment and treatment. Theories modeling the mechanism of catatonia are reviewed, including a vagal theory.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Agitation and Aggression in Dementia: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Many patients with dementia develop agitation or aggression in the course of their disease. In some severe cases, behavioral, environmental, and pharmacological interventions are not sufficient to alleviate these potentially life-threatening symptoms. It has been suggested that in those cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could be an option. This review summarizes the scientific literature on ECT for agitation and aggression in dementia.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Two reviewers extracted the following data from the retrieved articles: number of patients and their age, gender, diagnoses, types of problem behavior, treatments tried before ECT, specifications of the ECT treatment, use of rating scales, treatment results, follow-up data, and adverse effects.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 264 articles, 17 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these studies, one was a prospective cohort study, one was a case-control study, and the others were retrospective chart reviews, case series, or case reports. Clinically significant improvement was observed in the majority (88%) of the 122 patients described, often early in the treatment course. Adverse effects were most commonly mild, transient, or not reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The reviewed articles suggest that ECT could be an effective treatment for severe and treatment-refractory agitation and aggression in dementia, with few adverse consequences. Nevertheless, because of the substantial risk of selection bias, the designs of the studies reviewed, and their small number, further prospective studies are needed to substantiate these preliminary positive results.

The Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Catatonia in Children and Adolescents

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After participating in this activity, learners should be better able to:• Assess the etiologies associated with catatonia in children and adolescents• Evaluate the differential diagnosis of pediatric catatonia• Interpret the literature regarding the treatment of children and adolescents with catatonia OBJECTIVE: Pediatric catatonia is associated with many medical and psychiatric conditions. Mortality is high, and proper treatment can be lifesaving. Catatonia is increasingly recognized in pediatric populations, in which about 20% of cases are related to underlying medical conditions. To minimize morbidity, clinicians must rule out underlying disorders while simultaneously managing symptoms and causes. In our review we discuss (1) recommendations to aid rapid decision making, both diagnostic and therapeutic, (2) emergent conditions and management, (3) disorders associated with pediatric catatonia, including developmental, acquired, idiopathic, and iatrogenic etiologies, (4) available treatments, and (5) medicolegal considerations.

METHODS

Initial PubMed search without date constraints using MeSH terms related to pediatric catatonia, with subsequent searches on pertinent subtopics using PubMed and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Pediatric catatonia is a dangerous but treatable neuropsychiatric condition. Psychiatrists need to be aware of differential diagnoses and to be able determine appropriate treatment within a short time frame. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, outcomes can be optimized.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric catatonia is underdiagnosed and requires rapid evaluation and management.

Use of ECT in patients with an intellectual disability: review

Aims and method

The literature on the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with an intellectual disability is scarce, despite a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders than in the general adult population. We carried out a review of articles published before March 2010. All age ranges, severity of disability and diagnoses were included.

Results

We found 72 case reports, a retrospective chart review study and other reviews, but no controlled studies. Most patients (79%) showed a positive outcome following ECT. Complications were seen only in 13% and there were no reports of cognitive decline. Many patients relapsed following ECT (32%) and the majority were maintained with medication at follow-up (71%).

Clinical implications

Electroconvulsive therapy is a valuable treatment for this patient group and should be considered earlier as opposed to as a last resort. Obstacles to its use include diagnostic difficulties, ethical and legal issues, a lack of objective measurements and uncertainty about its safety in this population.

A qualitative study of experience of parents of adolescents who received ECT

AIM OF THIS STUDY

To evaluate the experience of parents of adolescents who received ECT for severe mental illness.

METHODOLOGY

Using qualitative methods, 6 parents of 5 adolescents were interviewed by using a self-designed semi-structured interview after the completion of ECT course. The clinicians involved in the ECT procedure, i.e., seeking informed consent and administration of ECT were not aware about the study. All the interviews were recorded and the content was analysed and themes were generated.

RESULTS

Parents of all the 5 adolescents expressed that their children were considered for ECT only after the patient had not responded to medication and were unmanageable. Prior to ECT the treating doctors did explain to them about the ECT procedure, they were given information booklet and they were not coerced to consent for ECT. Some of the parents reported that they had dilemma prior to giving consent and were scared prior to the first ECT. However, as the clinical condition of their children improved, they felt that ECT was a good treatment. Majority of the parents felt that ECT was delayed for their children. When asked about restriction in use of ECT in children and adolescents, the parents expressed that it is important for law makers to understand the distress of the parents,when their children are acutely ill. They expressed that decision of administration of ECT must be left to the family and the treating clinicians.

CONCLUSION

Parents of adolescents considered for ECT are generally satisfied with the treatment procedure.

The nature and prevalence of catatonic symptoms in young people with autism

BACKGROUND

A proportion of young people with autism are reported to show catatonic-like symptoms in adolescence. The aetiology and prevalence of such presentations is unknown but include a set of behaviours that can best be described as attenuated.

METHOD

The current study empirically investigated the presence and nature of such attenuated behaviours in children and adolescents with autism using a newly developed 34-item third party report measure, the Attenuated Behaviour Questionnaire. Caregivers or parents of young people with autism reported on the presentation of symptoms via the online completion of the Attenuated Behaviour Questionnaire and two established clinical measures of repetitive behaviour and depression.

RESULTS

Initial results indicate that the Attenuated Behaviour Questionnaire is a workable clinical measure in this population with a degree of discriminant validity with regard to catatonia. Attenuated behaviour indicative of catatonia was relatively common in young people with autism with up to 20.2% having an existing diagnosis of catatonia and evidence of a relationship between attenuated behaviours and measures of depression and repetitive and restricted behaviours.

CONCLUSION

Catatonic symptoms are more prevalent in young people with autism than previously thought, and the Attenuated Behaviour Questionnaire has potential as a clinical and research tool.

Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intractable Challenging Behaviors Associated With Symptoms of Catatonia

BACKGROUND

There are several reports of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) used in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the context of catatonic symptoms. We describe response to ECT in two adults with ASD and intellectual disability with intractable aggression and self-injurious behaviors associated with catatonic symptoms who had not responded to standard interventions.

METHOD

Unilateral ECT at a frequency of 3 times a week was given followed by weekly maintenance ECT.

RESULTS

Patients' catatonic symptoms included episodes of agitation and echophenomena. Electroconvulsive therapy resulted in significant improvement in their behavior problems but 1 patient relapsed when the ECT was discontinued or frequency of treatment reduced. The second patient required 2 courses of ECT before improvement which was maintained on weekly ECT.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroconvulsive therapy could be a potentially beneficial intervention in patients with ASD and severe challenging behaviors associated with catatonic symptoms including agitated or excited forms of catatonia.

Pediatric catatonia: review & new vagal theory

Recent studies support that catatonia may be more common in children and adolescents than previously thought. A boost for the recognition of pediatric catatonia comes from changes in DSM-5 accommodating the diagnosis of catatonia in a wider range of disorders, including developmental and autistic spectrum disorders in addition to schizophrenic, affective, and medical disorders including autoimmune conditions such as lupus or anti-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor encephalitis. The current status of pediatric catatonia, its assessment and treatment are described. Theories modeling the mechanism of catatonia are reviewed, including a vagal theory implicating the immobilization reflex mediated by the vagal nerve.

Catatonia in Down syndrome; a treatable cause of regression

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this case series report is to alert physicians to the occurrence of catatonia in Down syndrome (DS). A second aim is to stimulate the study of regression in DS and of catatonia. A subset of individuals with DS is noted to experience unexplained regression in behavior, mood, activities of daily living, motor activities, and intellectual functioning during adolescence or young adulthood. Depression, early onset Alzheimer's, or just "the Down syndrome" are often blamed after general medical causes have been ruled out. Clinicians are generally unaware that catatonia, which can cause these symptoms, may occur in DS.

STUDY DESIGN

Four DS adolescents who experienced regression are reported. Laboratory tests intended to rule out causes of motor and cognitive regression were within normal limits. Based on the presence of multiple motor disturbances (slowing and/or increased motor activity, grimacing, posturing), the individuals were diagnosed with unspecified catatonia and treated with anti-catatonic treatments (benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy [ECT]).

RESULTS

All four cases were treated with a benzodiazepine combined with ECT and recovered their baseline functioning.

CONCLUSION

We suspect catatonia is a common cause of unexplained deterioration in adolescents and young adults with DS. Moreover, pediatricians and others who care for individuals with DS are generally unfamiliar with the catatonia diagnosis outside schizophrenia, resulting in misdiagnosis and years of morbidity. Alerting physicians to catatonia in DS is essential to prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and identification of the frequency and course of this disorder.

Treatment use in a prospective naturalistic cohort of children and adolescents with catatonia

We aimed to (1) describe the treatment used in a large sample of young inpatients with catatonia, (2) determine which factors were associated with improvement and (3) benzodiazepine (BZD) efficacy. From 1993 to 2011, 66 patients between the ages of 9 and 19 years were consecutively hospitalized for a catatonic syndrome. We prospectively collected sociodemographic, clinical and treatment data. In total, 51 (77%) patients underwent a BZD trial. BZDs were effective in 33 (65%) patients, who were associated with significantly fewer severe adverse events (p = 0.013) and resulted in fewer referrals for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (p = 0.037). Other treatments included ECT (N = 12, 18%); antipsychotic medications, mostly in combination; and treatment of an underlying medical condition, when possible. For 10 patients, four different trials were needed to achieve clinical improvement. When all treatments were combined, there was a better clinical response in acute-onset catatonia (p = 0.032). In contrast, the response was lower in boys (p = 0.044) and when posturing (p = 0.04) and mannerisms (p = 0.008) were present as catatonic symptoms. The treatment response was independent of the underlying psychiatric or systemic medical condition. As in adults, BZDs should be the first-line symptomatic treatment for catatonia in young patients, and ECT should be a second option. Additionally, the absence of an association between the response to treatment and the underlying psychiatric condition suggests that catatonia should be considered as a syndrome.

Changes in EEG complexity with electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with autism spectrum disorders: a multiscale entropy approach

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders that are reportedly characterized by aberrant neural networks. Recently developed multiscale entropy analysis (MSE) can characterize the complexity inherent in electroencephalography (EEG) dynamics over multiple temporal scales in the dynamics of neural networks. We encountered an 18-year-old man with ASD whose refractory catatonic obsessive–compulsive symptoms were improved dramatically after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In this clinical case study, we strove to clarify the neurophysiological mechanism of ECT in ASD by assessing EEG complexity using MSE. Along with ECT, the frontocentral region showed decreased EEG complexity at higher temporal scales, whereas the occipital region expressed an increase at lower temporal scales. Furthermore, these changes were associated with clinical improvement associated with the elevation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is a molecular hypothesis of ECT, playing key roles in ASD pathogenesis. Changes in EEG complexity in a region-specific and temporal scale-specific manner that we found might reflect atypical EEG dynamics in ASD. Although MSE is not a direct approach to measuring neural connectivity and the results are from only a single case, they might reflect specific aberrant neural network activity and the therapeutic neurophysiological mechanism of ECT in ASD.

A systematic review of interventions used to treat catatonic symptoms in people with autistic spectrum disorders

A systematic review was conducted to examine the efficacy of a range of treatments for autistic catatonia. The review identified 22 relevant papers, reporting a total of 28 cases including both adult and paediatric patients. Treatment methods included electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), medication, behavioural and sensory interventions. Quality assessment found the standard of the existing literature to be generally poor, with particular limitations in treatment description and outcome measurement. There is some limited evidence to support the use of ECT, high dose lorazepam and behavioural interventions for people with autistic catatonia. However, there is a need for controlled, high-quality trials. Reporting of side effects and adverse events should also be improved, in order to better evaluate the safety of these treatments.

Use of electroconvulsive therapy in an adolescent patient with catatonia

There is lot of skepticism about the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in children and adolescents. However, available literature suggests that use of ECT can be at times life-saving in adolescents, especially those presenting with severe catatonia. We treated a 16-year-old female who presented to us with catatonia with a course of nine ECTs, with which she showed marked improvement. Review of the literature suggests that ECT should be considered as the second line treatment in the management of catatonia in adolescents.

Catatonia in patients with autism: prevalence and management

Although recent studies have shown that catatonia can occur in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), the overlap of the behavioral features between these disorders raises many diagnostic challenges. In fact, in clinical practice it is common to misinterpret catatonic symptoms, including mutism, stereotypic speech, repetitive behaviors, echolalia, posturing, mannerisms, purposeless agitation and rigidity, as features of ASDs. The current medical treatment algorithm for catatonia in ASDs recommends the use of benzodiazepines. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is indicated when patients are unresponsive, or insufficiently responsive, to benzodiazepines. Other pharmacological options are also described for the treatment of catatonic patients resistant to benzodiazepines and ECT, and there is evidence for the effectiveness of a psychological treatment, co-occurring with medical treatments, in order to support the management of these patients. In this article we provide a summary of studies exploring catatonia in ASDs and our clinical experience in the management and treatment of this syndrome through the presentation of three brief case studies. Moreover, we review the mechanisms underlying symptoms of catatonia in ASDs, as well as the diagnostic challenges, providing an outline for the management and treatment of this syndrome in this clinical population.

Lorazepam-diazepam protocol for catatonia in schizophrenia: a 21-case analysis

OBJECTIVES

Catatonia is a unique clinical phenomenon characterized by concurrent motor, emotional, vegetative and behavioral signs. Benzodiazepines (BZD) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can rapidly relieve catatonic signs. The lorazepam-diazepam protocol presented here has been proven to relieve catatonia in schizophrenia within a day.

METHODS

From July 2002 to August 2011, schizophrenic patients requiring psychiatric intervention for catatonia in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were studied by medical chart review. The study used the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS). Patients receiving the lorazepam-diazepam protocol were identified.

RESULTS

The survey included 21 patients (eight males and 13 females) with a mean age of 30.3 ± 12.6 years. Mean duration of schizophrenia was 4.7 ± 5.6 years. Thirteen (61.9%) patients responded within 2 h, 18 (85.7%) responded within one day, and all became catatonia-free within a week. Mean BFCRS score was 9.9 ± 3.0 before treatment. Patients that responded with a single intramuscular lorazepam injection had mean BFCRS score of 8.9 ± 2.8, significantly lower than the mean score (11.6 ± 2.5) of the rest of the patients (p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

The lorazepam-diazepam protocol can rapidly relieve retarded catatonia in schizophrenia. Most patients became catatonia-free within one day but some may require up to a week. ECT should be considered if the protocol fails.

Stability of intellectual functioning during maintenance electroconvulsive therapy

We describe the stability of neuropsychologic testing in a 16-year-old boy with cerebellar dysgenesis who received 61 acute and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy treatments for malignant catatonia. Measures of nonverbal intelligence and visual memory before treatment onset and after 61 electroconvulsive therapy treatments indicated no evidence of decline in intellectual functioning and acute or delayed memory. This case offers further support for the safety and efficacy of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy in both pediatric and developmentally disabled populations.

Electroconvulsive therapy for psychotropic-refractory bipolar affective disorder and severe self-injury and aggression in an 11-year-old autistic boy

We report the successful use of electroconvulsive therapy in a 11-year-old boy with autism and a 4-year history of psychotropic-resistant bipolar affective disorder associated with dangerous episodes of self-injurious and aggressive behaviors placing his caregivers and himself at significant safety risk. Extensive behavioral and medication interventions in both inpatient and outpatient settings had been ineffective, and the boy was at risk for acute physical injury and restrictive out-of-home placement. An acute course of eight bilateral electroconvulsive therapies resulted in significant mood stabilization and significant improvement of self-injury and aggression. Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy and psychotropic interventions were then pursued.

Catatonia is hidden in plain sight among different pediatric disorders: a review article

Over the past two decades, catatonia has been better demarcated in adult psychiatry as a unique syndrome that consists of specific motor signs with a characteristic response to benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy. Pediatric catatonia is considered rare, but may be underdiagnosed, and hence undertreated. Discussed here are the current diagnostic criteria of catatonia in individual cases of children and adolescents diagnosed with childhood disintegrative disorder, Kleine-Levin syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, tic disorder, and autoimmune encephalitis, and the effects of benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy. In these cases, catatonia resolved safely once it was recognized and treated properly. Children and adolescents presenting with these disorders should be systematically assessed for catatonia; when the presence of catatonia is confirmed, the use of benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy should be considered. The occurrence of catatonia in such a wide range of child and adolescent disorders supports the view that pediatric catatonia is not so rare, that there are shared elements in the etiology, psychopathology, and pathophysiology of these disorders, and that catatonia is best classified as a unique neurobiologic syndrome.