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ABSTRACT
Background: Catatonia is a severe motor syndrome found in approximately 10% of all acute psychiatric hospital admissions. It can occur in various psychiatric diseases. The authors report the first case report of catatonia during cannabis withdrawal. Case Presentation: Mr. A, a 32-year-old man, reported to have smoked approximately 20 g of cannabis daily since the age of 11. Mr. A was incarcerated and was reported 3 weeks later to the medical department for having completely ceased talking and eating. At admission in the authors' department, the patient presented with classical catatonia symptoms (Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale [BFCRS] score = 39/69). All laboratory results and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were normal. Six weeks after his admission and treatments by lorazepam and memantine, his BFCRS score was 0/69. Discussion: This single case study highlights the previously underreported emergence of physical and motor symptoms following cannabis withdrawal. Pathophysiological aspects of abrupt cannabis cessation contributing to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)/glutamate balance dysregulation and to catatonia are discussed.
Author contributions
M.C. and A.A. managed the case, M.C., B.R., and A.A. wrote the first draft, S.D., P.A.G., and P.T. were responsible for critical revision of the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.