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Hirjak D, Rogers JP, Wolf RC, Kubera KM, Fritze S, Wilson JE, Sambataro F, Fricchione G, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Ungvari GS, Northoff G. Catatonia. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:49. [PMID: 39025858 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00534-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor, affective and cognitive-behavioural signs, which lasts from hours to days. Intensive research over the past two decades has led to catatonia being recognized as an independent diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) since 2022. Catatonia is found in 5-18% of inpatients on psychiatric units and 3.3% of inpatients on medical units. However, in an unknown number of patients, catatonia remains unrecognized and these patients are at risk of life-threatening complications. Hence, recognizing the symptoms of catatonia early is crucial to initiate appropriate treatment to achieve a favourable outcome. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and diazepam, electroconvulsive therapy, and N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists such as amantadine and memantine, are the cornerstones of catatonia therapy. In addition, dopamine-modulating second-generation antipsychotics (for example, clozapine and aripiprazole) are effective in some patient populations. Early and appropriate treatment combined with new screening assessments has the potential to reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with catatonia in psychiatric and non-psychiatric settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusan Hirjak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
- German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner site Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
| | | | - Robert Christian Wolf
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Psychiatry, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Maria Kubera
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Psychiatry, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Fritze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jo Ellen Wilson
- Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Fabio Sambataro
- Department of Neuroscience (DNS), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gregory Fricchione
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner site Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gabor S Ungvari
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Section of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Georg Northoff
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Louie ATH, Anand E, Baldwin I, Smith JR. Use of En-Bloc Multiple Monitored Electroconvulsive Therapy in Benzodiazepine Refractory Malignant Catatonia. J ECT 2024:00124509-990000000-00172. [PMID: 38968433 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000001020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT We report a case of an adolescent female experiencing benzodiazepine and single-stimulation electroconvulsive (ECT)-refractory malignant catatonia, who improved with the use multiple monitored ECT (mmECT). Per the 2001 American Psychiatric Association guidelines, mmECT should be considered only in cases of intractable seizures or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Since 2001, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and malignant catatonia have been described as occurring along the same spectrum of illness. Therefore, given the life-threatening nature of her condition, as well as the brief seizure duration she experienced from single-stimulation ECT, the patient was treated with en-bloc and 2-stimulation mmECT. The patient demonstrated a significant improvement in response to this treatment, with her Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale score decreasing by 89%. At 2-year follow-up in an outpatient neurodevelopmental catatonia clinic, the patient has been able to return to school in her previous advanced placement classes and has not required maintenance ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Tsen-Hui Louie
- From the Division of General Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | | | - Isaac Baldwin
- From the Division of General Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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von Känel R. Stress-Induced Hypercoagulability: Insights from Epidemiological and Mechanistic Studies, and Clinical Integration. Semin Thromb Hemost 2024. [PMID: 38914118 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
By integrating findings from comprehensive reviews, meta-analyses, and cutting-edge genetic studies, this article illuminates the significance of stress-induced hypercoagulability in clinical medicine. In particular, the findings from numerous prospective cohort studies indicate that stress and hemostatic factors of a hypercoagulable state are associated with increased incident risk and poor prognosis for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and venous thromboembolism. Mendelian randomization studies suggest that these associations are partially causal. The review synthesizes extensive research on the link between acute and chronic stress and hypercoagulability, outlining a potential pathway from stress to thrombosis risk. Consistent with the allostatic load concept, acute stress-induced hypercoagulability, initially adaptive, can turn maladaptive under chronic stress or excessive acute stress, leading to arterial or venous thrombotic events. Individuals with predisposing factors, including atherosclerosis, thrombophilia, or immobilization, may exhibit an increased risk of thrombotic disease during stress. Contextual sociodemographic characteristics, the stress experience, and coping resources additionally modulate the extent of stress-induced hypercoagulability. Research into the neuroendocrine, cellular, and molecular bases reveals how stress influences platelet activation coagulation and fibrinolysis. The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, along with vagal withdrawal, and the effects of catecholamines, cortisol, and vasopressin, are the central mechanisms involved. Hemoconcentration, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombopoiesis additionally contribute to stress-induced hypercoagulability. Further research is needed to prove a causal link between chronic stress and hypercoagulability. This includes exploring its implications for the prevention and management of thrombotic diseases in stressed individuals, with a focus on developing effective psychosocial and pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Luccarelli J, Smith JR, Fricchione G, Westover MB. Generalized Periodic Discharges Associated With Catatonia and Delirium: A Case Series. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:appineuropsych20230174. [PMID: 38720623 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20230174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Generalized periodic discharges are a repeated and generalized electroencephalography (EEG) pattern that can be seen in the context of altered mental status. This article describes a series of five individuals with generalized periodic discharges who demonstrated signs and symptoms of catatonia, a treatable neuropsychiatric condition. METHODS Inpatients with a clinical diagnosis of catatonia, determined with the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), and EEG recordings with generalized periodic discharges were analyzed in a retrospective case series. RESULTS Five patients with catatonia and generalized periodic discharges on EEG were evaluated from among 106 patients with catatonia and contemporaneous EEG measurements. Four of these patients showed an improvement in catatonia severity when treated with benzodiazepines, with an average reduction of 6.75 points on the BFCRS. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with generalized periodic discharges, catatonia should be considered, in the appropriate clinical context. Patients with generalized periodic discharges and catatonia may benefit from treatment with empiric trials of benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Luccarelli
- Departments of Psychiatry (Luccarelli, Fricchione) and Neurology (Westover), Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Luccarelli, Fricchione); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center at Village of Vanderbilt, and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. (Smith); Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston (Westover)
| | - Joshua R Smith
- Departments of Psychiatry (Luccarelli, Fricchione) and Neurology (Westover), Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Luccarelli, Fricchione); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center at Village of Vanderbilt, and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. (Smith); Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston (Westover)
| | - Gregory Fricchione
- Departments of Psychiatry (Luccarelli, Fricchione) and Neurology (Westover), Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Luccarelli, Fricchione); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center at Village of Vanderbilt, and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. (Smith); Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston (Westover)
| | - M Brandon Westover
- Departments of Psychiatry (Luccarelli, Fricchione) and Neurology (Westover), Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (Luccarelli, Fricchione); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center at Village of Vanderbilt, and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. (Smith); Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston (Westover)
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Gopal K, Liengswangwong R, Ramaraj SA, Howard J, Byrd JN. The Clinical Course of a Severe Case of Malignant Catatonia. Cureus 2024; 16:e58142. [PMID: 38741865 PMCID: PMC11088969 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome predominantly associated with mental illness disorders, most commonly bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Catatonia is classified as malignant when, in addition to catatonic symptoms, dysautonomia is present. Autonomic abnormalities can include changes in temperature, labile blood pressure, and changes in heart and respiratory rates. Because malignant catatonia is life-threatening, prompt recognition and management are essential to prevent mortality. We present a severe case of catatonia with malignant features that highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalashree Gopal
- Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | | | | | - Jeremiah Howard
- Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | - James N Byrd
- Internal Medicine, Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, Mobile, USA
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Attali D, Calligaris C, Grabli D, Slooter AJC. How to manage catatonia, Parkinson and dementia in ICU. Curr Opin Crit Care 2024; 30:151-156. [PMID: 38441073 DOI: 10.1097/mcc.0000000000001142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The rising prevalence of neurodegenerative and mental disorders, combined with the challenges posed by their frailty, has presented intensivists with complex issues in the intensive care unit (ICU). This review article explores specific aspects of care for patients with catatonia, Parkinson's disease (PD), and dementia within the context of the ICU, shedding light on recent developments in these fields. RECENT FINDINGS Catatonia, a neuropsychiatric syndrome with potentially life-threatening forms, remains underdiagnosed, and its etiologies are diverse. PD patients in the ICU present unique challenges related to admission criteria, dopaminergic treatment, and respiratory care. Dementia increases the risk of delirium. Delirium is associated with long-term cognitive impairment and dementia. SUMMARY While evidence is lacking, further research is needed to guide treatment for ICU patients with these comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Attali
- GHU-Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte Anne, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institute Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS UMR 8063, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Calligaris
- GHU-Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Neurointensive Care and Neuroanesthesia Department, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - David Grabli
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Neurology, CIC Neurosciences, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Arjen J C Slooter
- Departments of Intensive Care Medicine and Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Smith AC, Holmes EG. Catatonia: A Narrative Review for Hospitalists. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE OPEN 2023; 10:100059. [PMID: 39035239 PMCID: PMC11256243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajmo.2023.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Background Catatonia is a complex psychomotor syndrome commonly associated with psychiatric disorders. However, hospitalists encounter this condition on medical floors, where it is typically due to an underlying medical, especially neurological, etiology. Delays in the diagnosis of catatonia are common and lead to worsened outcomes for patients, including a multitude of medical complications, such as venous thromboembolism and stasis ulcers. Catatonia due to a medical condition is less likely to respond to benzodiazepine therapy; identification and treatment of the underlying cause is crucial. Methods This article provides a practical review of the catatonia literature, with a focus on diagnosis, workup, and management of catatonia for patients admitted to medical hospitals. Conclusions With greater knowledge about catatonia, internists are uniquely positioned to recognize and initiate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Emily G. Holmes
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
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Heckers S, Walther S. Catatonia. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:1797-1802. [PMID: 37937779 DOI: 10.1056/nejmra2116304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Heckers
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville (S.H., S.W.); and the Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (S.W.)
| | - Sebastian Walther
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville (S.H., S.W.); and the Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (S.W.)
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Amad A. Electroconvulsive Therapy Restores Higher-Level Cognition in Catatonia. J ECT 2023; 39:e2-e3. [PMID: 36897134 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Amad
- From the Université de Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, U1172-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
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Buciuc AG, Traugott P, Danger CR. An Unusual Presentation of Serotonin Syndrome and Subsequent Catatonia in a Patient With a Family History of Huntington's Disease. Cureus 2023; 15:e45356. [PMID: 37720123 PMCID: PMC10504868 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and serotonin syndrome (SS) represent serious life-threatening conditions that share phenotypic and pathophysiologic features due to intricate interactions between the dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems. Malignant catatonia's underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood, but it is clinically difficult to distinguish it from NMS. Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by CAG expansion in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Even though involuntary movements and lack of coordination are pivotal in HD, psychiatric manifestations are an integral part of it and may precede the emergence of chorea by years. The overlap in symptoms is noticeable for SS and NMS and distinguishing between the two may be challenging if exposure to both dopamine antagonists and serotoninergic agents exists. We present the case of a 48-year-old woman with an unusual presentation of serotonin syndrome and subsequent catatonia possibly overlapping with a neurodegenerative disorder, HD. This case report offers an interesting interconnection between three different syndromes that have tight pathophysiological and phenotypical associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela G Buciuc
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Health System, Miami, USA
| | | | - Carlos R Danger
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, Miami, USA
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Karl S, Schönfeldt-Lecuona C, Hirjak D, Sartorius A. [Acute catatonia]. DER NERVENARZT 2023; 94:106-112. [PMID: 36416934 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-022-01407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catatonia is an underdiagnosed psychomotor syndrome that can occur in the context of various mental and somatic diseases. Malignant catatonia is particularly relevant in the context of intensive medical care. Clear recommendations in guidelines are missing. OBJECTIVE To present the current state of the diagnosis and treatment of catatonia, especially malignant catatonia. MATERIAL AND METHODS The literature was evaluated with respect to acute catatonic conditions, with a special focus on the differential diagnosis, relevance to intensive medical care and treatment of catatonia. RESULTS In psychiatric inpatients, catatonic syndromes are relatively frequent with a prevalence between 9% and 17%, and in neurological patients somewhat less frequent with a prevalence of 3.3%. There is a clear recommendation for pharmacological treatment with lorazepam. Additional electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) should be considered as early as possible, especially in cases not responding to benzodiazepines. Response rates to ECT have been shown to be 80-100%. In malignant catatonia, ECT should be performed immediately as an emergency indication. CONCLUSION Several factors lead to the underdiagnosis of catatonia. It is problematic that even life-threatening malignant catatonia is often not recognized as such, although there is a mortality of about 50% if untreated. The best treatment outcome is achieved with a combination of benzodiazepines and ECT. The treatment of severe malignant catatonia represents an emergency indication for ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Karl
- Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Deutschland.
| | | | - Dusan Hirjak
- Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Deutschland
| | - Alexander Sartorius
- Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Deutschland
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Torrico T, Shaheen S, Weinstein D, Padhy R, Salam MT. Challenges of treating catatonia in the community setting without access to electroconvulsive therapy. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE ACCESS 2023; 7:27550834231220504. [PMID: 38144544 PMCID: PMC10748610 DOI: 10.1177/27550834231220504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome resulting from an underlying psychiatric or medical disorder commonly observed in inpatient psychiatric units. While benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are effective treatment options, the unavailability of ECT in many community psychiatric hospitals in the United States negatively affects patient outcomes. We present a 25-year-old African American male with a psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia complicated by malignant catatonia who was admitted to a community psychiatric hospital. He required intensive medical stabilization with supportive management, and transfer requests to ECT-equipped hospitals were initiated. While awaiting transfer for 148 days, the patient's symptoms did not fully remit with lorazepam (even with 36 mg daily in divided doses) and other psychotropic medication trials, including antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. After nearly 5 months of inpatient stay, he was successfully transferred, received ECT treatment, and experienced rapid resolution of catatonia. After discharge, to obtain three monthly sessions of maintenance ECT, he had 5-h one-way ground transportation arranged to an out-of-county ECT-equipped facility. There was no relapse in catatonia by the 2-year follow-up. This report highlights a significant healthcare disparity when attempting to manage severe catatonia within community hospital settings without access to ECT in the United States. Alternative treatments, including antipsychotics, had minimal impact on symptoms and possibly increased morbidity in this case while awaiting ECT. Treatment at our designated safety net hospital still required referral to 14 ECT-equipped hospitals before successful transfer. This case highlights the urgent need for ECT availability in more community hospitals to treat patients with refractory psychiatric conditions, including catatonia. ECT is an essential psychiatric treatment that, for certain conditions, has no appropriate alternatives. We propose that access to ECT be considered in the determination of safety net hospital systems, with improved ability to transfer patients who are suffering from treatable life-threatening mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Torrico
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
| | - Shahzeb Shaheen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
| | - David Weinstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
| | - Ranjit Padhy
- Department of Psychiatry, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
| | - Md. Towhid Salam
- Department of Psychiatry, Kern Medical, Bakersfield, CA, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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