| Abstract [eng] |
Background: Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome, previously considered a type of schizophrenia. In 2022catatonia has been recognized as a distinct syndrome, characteristic of several conditions. Catatonia usually presents with staring, stupor, mutism and posturing, but differential diagnosis of condition can become complicated in the case of agitated catatonia. Likelihood of treatment response decreases with time and the condition can be fatal, it is essential to identify the etiology of catatonia in a timely manner and to prescribe appropriate treatment. Aim: Review the literature on catatonia and present its differential diagnosis and treatment options. Methods: A literature review was conducted on the PubMed database, using the keywords: „catatonia“, „mood disorders“, „intoxication“, „acute psychosis“, treatment“, „“. Articles published in the last 10 years in English were selected for the analysis. Results: Catatonia observed in emergency department is often atypical, with agitated psychomotor activity, and the most common etiology is intoxication or substance withdrawal. Standard treatment is lorazepam. In psychiatric patients (in addition to schizophrenia), catatonia develops during an affective episode, autism, dementia. Treatment in this case is benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy. In other hospital departments, catatonia can be caused by autoimmune encephalitis, encephalopathy, focal brain lesions or medication - specific treatment is given once cause is identified. Conclusions: The differential diagnostic triad for catatonia is acute intoxication, psychiatric disorders and brain damage. If etiology of catatonia cannot be differentiated, the best medical treatment is benzodiazepines, especially lorazepam. Treatment should be administered as soon as catatonia is detected. |
