Catatonia: The Ultimate yet Treatable Motor Reaction to Fear in Autism

Catatonia in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…(14) Susceptibility to anxiety and mood Accepted manuscript: Authors' Copy disorders in individuals with ASD might therefore contribute to the high rates of catatonia in this population. (15,16) The presence of catatonic features in ASD has been studied previously; (17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22) nevertheless, to our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis, that comprehensively assesses the relationship between catatonia and ASD, and quantifies the presence of catatonic features in ASD.…”

Decalogue of Catatonia in Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Stressful life events, the loss of routine, experiences of loss, interpersonal conflicts, and discrepancies between the ability in the patient and parental expectations, especially in higher functioning autistic youth, may precipitate catatonia, which may present in conjunction with other major psychiatric or medical disorders ( 13 , 14 ). A medical work-up and comprehensive drug screening is necessary to uncover medical or toxic conditions.…”

“… Catatonia is a diagnosable syndrome in ASD ( 2 ). Patients with ASD are prone to develop catatonia due to concurrent medical and psychological impairments ( 13 , 22 ). The treatment of catatonia in ASD is very specific and consists of benzodiazepines and ECT ( 23 ).…”

“…Patients with ASD are prone to develop catatonia due to concurrent medical and psychological impairments ( 13 , 22 ).…”

Autonomic Dysfunction in Catatonia in Autism: Implications of a Vagal Theory

“…Life events, the loss of routine and structure, experiences of loss, conflicts with parents, caregivers, or peers, and discrepancies between the higher functioning autistic individual's capabilities and the expectations of parents, can precipitate catatonia. Observations that catatonia follows overwhelming anxiety due to trauma or perceived danger, the positive response of catatonia to anxiolytics such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates, and psychogenic theories of catatonia [49], are particularly applicable to people with autism due to their increased social, cognitive, and sensory vulnerabilities [50,51]. Further studies need to assess if vagal nerve stimulation has any role in the treatment and relapse prevention of catatonia in autism.…”