Delayed drug-induced catatonia in an adolescent girl – clinical implications: A case report

Abstract

Background: Catatonia is a potential lethal condition, that has been rarely described in children and adolescents. Due to the severity and rarity of the condition, there are no randomized controlled trials investigating pharmaceutical treatment options. Clinicians therefore rely mainly on clinical practice and case reports. Case Presentation: 17-year athletic girl with no previous contact with child- and adolescent psychiatry, nor any previous drug abuse. Falling ill with confusion and mydriasis after a trip with peers where the patient used mephedrone as recreational drug. Deteriorating condition with waxy, stiff movements and immobilization. The patient was after a few weeks care diagnosed with catatonia. When the condition was confirmed with lorazepam test, treatment with a high dosage of lorazepam in combination with mementin and lithum was initiated. This resulted in a regression of the symptoms. After six weeks the patient could be discharged from the hospital almost fully recovered. Conclusions: It may be difficult to recognize the symptoms of catatonia. There may be a delayed onset of catatonic symptoms after intake of drugs. It is safe to use mementin as an adjuvant to the treatment of catatonia.