J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 1994; 6:1-13
Copyright © 1994 by American Neuropsychiatric Association
Malignant catatonia
KL Philbrick and TA Rummans
Section of Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
The authors review catatonia, especially malignant catatonia, suggest a
revised nomenclature, and establish a basis for furthering our
understanding and treatment of this syndrome. After a brief historical
review of catatonia, they review all available recent (1986-1991)
English-language reports on malignant catatonia and summarize 5 cases of
psychiatric malignant catatonia seen at their institution. Although much
has been written about malignant catatonia "due to neuroleptics," malignant
catatonia caused by other factors has received less attention, hindering
our ability to recognize and treat non-neuroleptic- induced malignant
catatonia. Catatonia, including malignant catatonia, occurs infrequently,
but recognition and management are essential with a syndrome that can be
life-threatening.
