Should catatonia be part of the differential diagnosis of coma?

Abstract

The descriptions of catatonia are complex and unclear. More than 40 different signs and symptoms have been included, but coma is not among them. Recently, a case report of coma in relation to catatonia was presented. We report two further cases where coma was a part of this syndrome of disturbed motility. They were successfully treated with ECT. Consequently, we suggest that catatonia may be a differential diagnosis of coma.

• Catatonia
• Coma
• Mood disorders
• Stupor