Catatonia causing permanent cognitive impairment: a case study.
OBJECTIVE
We describe a case of psychogenic malignant catatonia resulting in permanent cognitive impairment.


BACKGROUND
Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by catalepsy, negativism, mutism, muscular rigidity, and mannerisms, often accompanied by autonomic instability and fever. Little is known about the long-term cognitive consequences of the syndrome.


METHODS
Medical history includes neurologic examination, neuropsychological evaluation, electroencephalographic data, magnetic resonance imaging, sodium amytal interview, and treatment with electroconvulsive therapy.


RESULTS
Selective deficits in executive function and an anterograde amnesia were evident a week post-ECT treatment and continued to be present at follow-up after 2 years and 8 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The permanent cognitive impairments are considered in the context of catatonia as a frontal lobe syndrome.
Baker
Ian W S
IW
Russell Cairns Unit, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, OX2 6HE, England. ian.baker@orh.nhs.uk
Jackson
Matthew
M
Bass
Christopher
C
D000654:Amobarbital; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D002389:Catatonia / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007360:Intelligence; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009127:Muscle Rigidity / Q000209:etiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D000654:Amobarbital