Malignant catatonia is a potentially fatal subtype of catatonia characterized by mutism,
rigidity, stereotypy, autonomic dysfunction, and delirium.
1
Although it is similar to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), it is classically
associated with depression and psychosis rather than with use of psychotropic medications.
Brain imaging may reveal frontal atrophy, and nonspecific lab findings are common.
2
Treatment typically includes short-term benzodiazepines, followed by electroconvulsive
therapy (ECT).
3
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References
- The catatonia syndrome: forgotten but not gone.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2009; 66: 1173-1177https://doi.org/10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2009.141
- Malignant catatonia.in: Frucht S Fahn S Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ2005: 53
- Rediscovering catatonia: the biography of a treatable syndrome.Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl. 2013; : 1-47https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.12038
- The many varieties of catatonia.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2001; 251: I8-13https://doi.org/10.1007/pl00014200
- Somatic treatment of catatonia.Int J Psychiatry Med. 1995; 25: 345-369https://doi.org/10.2190/X0FF-VU7G-QQP7-L5V7
Article Info
Publication History
Published online: March 31, 2021
Footnotes
Funding: None.
Conflicts of Interest: None.
Authorship: All authors had access to the data and a role in writing this manuscript.
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