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Catatonic depression is when catatonia occurs concurrently withdepression.
Catatonia is a state in which a person experiences marked disturbances in motor activity.
Catatonia itself is not uncommon, affecting about 10% of people with psychiatric conditions in Western countries.
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Diagnosing Catatonic Depression
Although commonly associated with schizophrenia, catatonia is aspecifierfor several psychiatric and medical diagnoses.
A healthcare professional will provide a thorough assessment to determine an accurate diagnosis and initiate the right treatment plan.
This may require medical tests, blood work, imaging studies, and so on.
Catatonic symptoms can also be caused bycertain medications.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are the first-line choice for treating catatonia.
They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA.
About 70% of people with catatonia do well with a benzodiazepine calledAtivan (lorazepam).
ECT is performed under general anesthesia so that the individual does not experience any pain during the procedure.
ECT is the most efficacious treatment available for catatonia.
Research suggests that it works for about 80% to 100% of people with catatonia.
rTMS is a noninvasive procedure in which magnetic pulses are directed toward certain areas of the brain.
These magnetic currents are thought to stimulate brain cells in a way that may reduce depression and anxiety.
Such treatments are promising, but further research is needed to determine their effectiveness in treating catatonic depression.
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New treatment protocols hold promise as well and research is underway.
Prompt recognition and treatment at the beginning of the catatonic state are essential for the best outcomes.
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