Catatonia recognition and treatment.
BACKGROUND
Catatonic syndrome is no longer considered a subtype of schizophrenia but is more frequently associated with mood disorders (mania, melancholia, and psychotic depression) as well as general medical conditions (neurological disorders, drug-induced and toxic-induced conditions, metabolic conditions). A case of catatonia is reported which occurred after alcohol withdrawal.


METHODS
Catatonia occurred 48 hours after alcohol withdrawal in a 54-year-old woman who had stopped all her treatment (in the context of a type II bipolar disorder). A dramatic improvement of symptoms was observed after oral administration of zolpidem.


CONCLUSIONS
This case seems to confirm that catatonia can represents a nonspecific response to stress factors. The withdrawal of multiple medications was already described as a basis for catatonia. Alcohol withdrawal could constitute an additional risk factor for catatonia. The zolpidem test is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic test.
Cottencin
Olivier
O
Department of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, AP-HP European Georges Pompidou Hospital, University of Medicine, Paris, France. ocottencin@chru-lille.fr
Danel
Thierry
T
Goudemand
Michel
M
Thomas
Pierre
P
Consoli
Silla M
SM
D002389:Catatonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011725:Pyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077334:Zolpidem
D011725:Pyridines; D000077334:Zolpidem