A Case series of catatonia: Lessons to learn

Abstract

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome which is associated with a diverse range of psychiatric and medical disorders. Current nosological approach supports the view that catatonia is a separate clinical entity. We present a case series of patients with clear catatonic symptoms associated with or as a result of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, hyponatreamia, Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis (SLE) and viral encephalitis, highlighting the importance of being aware of medical causes of catatonia. The patients with B12 and folic acid deficiency and hyponatreamia made a dramatic recovery after correction of the underlying cause, and the patient with SLE and viral encephalitis also showed a good clinical response following appropriate treatment. Early identification of underlying cause and initiation of treatment facilitates a better outcome in patients with catatonia.