Onset of catatonia at puberty: electroconvulsive therapy response in two autistic adolescents.
Catatonia is a syndrome of motor and behavioral disturbance. It is a poorly understood condition, which is underrecognized and may go untreated despite intensive medical workup and numerous unsuccessful medication trials. However, with treatments known to be effective, such as benzodiazepines and/or electroconvulsive therapy, patients may return to their baseline functioning. Autism and catatonia have been previously reported together. We report 2 patients with autism and mental retardation who developed catatonic symptoms at the onset of puberty. Both patients experienced persistent symptoms over several years and presented with a history of motor disturbance, functional decline, and episodic aggression. Both patients were treated with electroconvulsive therapy resulting in a positive response and functional improvement. Catatonia may persist as a chronic condition, lasting over several months or years, if not recognized and treated.
Ghaziuddin
Neera
N
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5734, USA. neerag@umich.edu
Gih
Daniel
D
Barbosa
Virginia
V
Maixner
Daniel F
DF
Ghaziuddin
Mohammad
M
D000293:Adolescent; D017668:Age of Onset; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D002389:Catatonia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D004519:Education, Special; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011627:Puberty / Q000523:psychology*; D020280:Sertraline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013177:Sports; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D005473:Fluoxetine; D020280:Sertraline