Relapsing–remitting psychosis with malignant catatonia: a multidisciplinary challenge

ABSTRACT

Malignant catatonia is a life-threatening syndrome that could be observed in various psychiatric and neurological conditions. We describe the challenging case of a young woman with relapsing–remitting malignant catatonia, which finally resolve after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Details regarding her psychiatric symptoms, dynamics, and EEG features during each acute and post-acute phases of the disease are described and long-term follow-ups are provided. We emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary cross talk between neurologists and psychiatrists to ensure adequate management of this dangerous condition. Knowledge and gaps in the field of autoimmune psychosis are also discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Autoimmune encephalitis
• catatonia
• acute psychosys
• electroconvulsive therapy
• electroencephalography

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.