Persistent Catatonia for 1.5 Years Finally Resolved With Electroconvulsive Therapy

Abstract

Despite having been previously associated with schizophrenia, catatonia is more often associated with mood disorders and factors related to general medical conditions. Benzodiazepines are recommended as the first option in treatment of catatonia. For patients who do not sufficiently respond to benzodiazepines and for patients that need a fast response, electroconvulsive therapy is then recommended. In this case, we present a case that developed catatonia after myocardial infarction and remained catatonic for 1.5 years until he was treated with electroconvulsive therapy.