Multiple sclerosis presenting as catatonia.
OBJECTIVE
Catatonic disorder due to general medical condition must be excluded in psychiatric patients presenting with this movement disorder. This report emphasizes the association of catatonia with multiple sclerosis.


METHODS
A patient with catatonia, psychotic depression, and the subsequent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is described and the literature reviewed.


RESULTS
Mutism, immobility, cataplexy, waxy flexibility, and other aspects of catatonia occur in multiple sclerosis, usually as a consequence of a severe mood disorder and extensive cerebral demyelination. These symptoms may be the presenting manifestations of multiple sclerosis.


CONCLUSIONS
A high index of suspicion for neurological disease is indicated in patients with new-onset catatonia. Neuroimaging and other studies may reveal underlying demyelination requiring specific therapy.
Mendez
M F
MF
University of California at Los Angeles, USA.
D000328:Adult; D002389:Catatonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology