Catatonia in autistic twins: role of electroconvulsive therapy.
Autism and Asperger disorder are pervasive developmental disorders that impair social interactions and communications. They are characterized by repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Catatonia, a syndrome which is most often associated with schizophrenia and affective disorders, is seen in up to 6% of patients with autistic spectrum disorders and in 12% to 17% of adolescents with these disorders. Catatonic symptoms in these cases have been responsive to treatment with electroconvulsive therapy. We report a case of adolescent identical twins with PDD/Asperger disorder who exhibited catatonia and were successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy.
Bailine
Samuel H
SH
Department of Psychiatry Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, USA. shbailine@aol.com
Petraviciute
Sonata
S
D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D002389:Catatonia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic