Catatonia: Diagnosis and Treatment

In this episode of the Psychiatry & Psychotherapy podcast, Dr. Michael Cummings joins the host to discuss catatonia. They define catatonia, including its history and prevalence, and differentiate between catatonic stupor and excited catatonia. They explore the subtle signs and progression of the condition, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention. The discussion covers the use of lorazepam and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as treatments, as well as conditions that mimic catatonia, such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome, serotonin syndrome, and delirium. They also discuss what is happening in the brain of someone experiencing catatonia, and the importance of physical and neurological exams, obtaining collateral history, and maintaining a high index of suspicion for catatonia.