Dexamethasone-induced catatonia in a patient with multiple myeloma.
Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome, caused by different underlying metabolic, neurologic, psychiatric and toxic conditions. Although catatonia is often associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or depression, in about 20 to 39% of the patients a somatic illness is found. Unfortunately, this diagnosis is often missed although catatonia is characterized by a specific symptom complex. We report a case of acute catatonia with psychotic features in a patient with multiple myeloma (MM), caused by systemic use of dexamethasone. Physicians should be aware of possible psychiatric side effects when prescribing high doses of dexamethasone. Further, MM patients on corticosteroids should be closely monitored for mild psychological and/or psychiatric symptoms since they may be predictive for the onset of catatonia.
a Department of Psychiatry , Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium.
Sylvie
S
Vanstechelman
b Department of Hematology , Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium.
Anna
A
Vantilborgh
a Department of Psychiatry , Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium.
Gilbert
G
Lemmens
D002389:Catatonia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018757:GABA Modulators / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*
D018757:GABA Modulators; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone; D008140:Lorazepam
Catatonia; Corticosteroids; Dexamethasone; Multiple myeloma