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7 - Management and Treatment of Catatonia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 July 2025

Dusan Hirjak
Affiliation:
Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
Georg Northoff
Affiliation:
University of Ottawa
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Summary

This chapter explores the diverse therapeutic approaches to catatonia, integrating insights from both national and international guidelines. The primary treatment typically include benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and diazepam, which are widely recognized for their efficacy in alleviating catatonic symptoms. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a cornerstone for more severe, treatment-resistant and malignant cases (e.g. febrile catatonia), with recent evidence suggesting its effectiveness across various psychiatric populations, including children, adolescents, older adults, and patients with dementia. However, in cases of ultra-resistant catatonia – where up to 40% of patients do not respond to benzodiazepines or ECT – new treatment options such as intranasal esketamine are emerging, showing promise in cases unresponsive to conventional therapies. Additionally, treatments such as dopamine receptors antagonists and partial agonists (=antipsychotics) must be used with caution, particularly in cases of substance-induced catatonia, where they may exacerbate symptoms. Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation are also gaining attention for their potential therapeutic benefits in catatonia, though further research is needed. Finally, the chapter underscores the importance of individualized treatment plans, carefully considering the underlying cause of catatonia to optimize outcomes and ensure the most effective intervention.

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Catatonia
A Practical Guide to a Clinical and Scientific Conundrum
, pp. 95 - 114
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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