Key result
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) led to rapid resolution of refractory malignant catatonia in a 25-year-old male after nearly 5 months of unsuccessful pharmacological treatment.
Why the study?
Unavailability of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in many community psychiatric hospitals in the United States negatively affects patient outcomes.
Does electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) improve malignant catatonia in a patient with schizophrenia?
Population
One 25-year-old African American male with schizophrenia complicated by malignant catatonia
Design
Case report
Follow-up
2-year
Authors
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Hypothesis-generating for ECT in malignant catatonia; leaves open need for controlled trials before wider adoption.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Does electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) improve malignant catatonia in a patient with schizophrenia?
This case highlights the critical need for ECT availability in community hospitals for severe, refractory psychiatric conditions like catatonia.
Torrico et al. (2023) conducted a case report in Schizophrenia complicated by malignant catatonia (n=1). Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) vs. Pharmacological management (lorazepam, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers) was evaluated on Resolution of catatonia. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) led to rapid resolution of refractory malignant catatonia in a 25-year-old male after nearly 5 months of unsuccessful pharmacological treatment.
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