Resolution of catatonic symptoms: a varied presentation

Summary

Catatonic syndrome is observable in various psychiatric and physical disorders. In the diagnostic systems for psychiatric disorders, catatonia gets subsumed under various psychiatric disorders, without any specific diagnostic category of its own. However, there are occasions where it may be difficult to categorise catatonia as a part of another disorder. We describe catatonia episodes in a patient with diagnostic uncertainties, and variations regarding symptom resolution with and without medication. There was inadequate response to lorazepam, whereas antipsychotic medications seemed effective for resolution and also as maintenance treatment. Diagnostic issues with catatonia are discussed.