Catatonia in autism: implications across the life span.
BACKGROUND
There is increasing evidence that catatonia is an important source of impairment in adolescents and adults with autism.


OBJECTIVE
Review of the evaluation, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of catatonia in autism.


METHODS
Presentation and discussion of a case-vignette spanning early childhood to adulthood.


RESULTS
Autistic and catatonic symptoms overlap, yet catatonia is diagnosable in about one of seven adolescents and young adults with autism. Case-reports suggest that benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy are effective treatments in the acute and maintenance phase for people with autism who develop catatonia.


CONCLUSIONS
Catatonia should be assessed in people with autism when there is an obvious and marked deterioration in movement, vocalizations, pattern of activities, self-care, and practical skills. Benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy are favored options for acute and maintenance treatment in these cases. Further studies on the possible biological-genetic overlap between autism and catatonia would be helpful.
Kakooza-Mwesige
Angelina
A
Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University Medical School, Kampala, Uganda.
Wachtel
Lee E
LE
Dhossche
Dirk M
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002389:Catatonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015995:Prevalence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001569:Benzodiazepines; D008140:Lorazepam