Electroconvulsive therapy in the intensive care unit for the treatment of catatonia. A case series and review of the literature

Catatonia is an underdiagnosed syndrome that may occur in severely ill patients. The malignant subtype, consisting of motor symptoms, autonomic instability and fever, is associated with high mortality rates, though exact current mortality rates are unknown. This subtype requires a fast detection and treatment with high doses of a benzodiazepine or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), preferably in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting.

Source: General Hospital Psychiatry - September 29, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Femke M. Dessens, Judith van Paassen, David J. van Westerloo, Nic J. van der Wee, Irene M. van Vliet, Martijn S. van Noorden Source Type: research