Catatonia After COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected more than a hundred million people worldwide. In addition to the devastating number of deaths caused by this disease, it can cause significant morbidity in some survivors. The understanding of the morbidity associated with COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. This report describes 3 cases of catatonia associated with COVID-19. Catatonia is easily confused with other forms of delirium but if recognized can be effectively treated. We hope that awareness gained from these cases would help clinicians better recognize and diagnose catatonia following COVID-19 infection.

Successful ECT in an adolescent with catatonia and psychosis due to COVID-19

“…Case reports of ECT treatment for catatonia related to COVID-19 infection demonstrate safety and efficacy in adult patients with a previous psychiatric history ( Nikayin et al, 2022 ). This case highlights the safety and efficacy of ECT treatment in an adolescent patient with no previous psychiatric history, and one in whom the catatonia is suspected to have been precipitated by COVID-19.…”

Evidence-based consensus guidelines for the management of catatonia: Recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology

“…Catatonia has been described in the context of respiratory illnesses, including influenza ( Coulonjou et al, 1958 ; Wender, 1979 ) and SARS-CoV-2 ( Amouri et al, 2020 ; Brandão et al., 2021 ; Caan et al, 2020 ; Cooper and Ross, 2020 ; Ghaziuddin et al, 2021 ; Gouse et al, 2020 ; Kaur et al, 2021 ; Kopishinskaia et al., 2021 ; Kwon et al, 2021 ; Mulder et al, 2021 ; Naik et al, 2021 ; Nikayin et al, 2022 ; Raidurg et al, 2021 ; Scheiner et al, 2021 ; Torrico et al, 2021 ; Vazquez-Guevara et al., 2021 ; Zain et al, 2021 ; Zandifar and Badrfam, 2020 ), as well as in critical illnesses (e.g. sepsis, shock).…”