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Electroconvulsive Therapy for Malignant Catatonia: A Case Report in the Intensive Care Unit

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by motor and behavioral disturbances, which can complicate both psychiatric and medical conditions. Diagnosing catatonia in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can be challenging due to symptom overlap with other conditions, such as delirium. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered in certain cases, particularly when standard treatments fail, though its use in ICU settings is rare due to concerns about patient stability and procedural risk. We present the case of a 43-year-old male, admitted for a manic episode, who was transferred to the ICU following a cardiorespiratory arrest and subsequently treated with ECT for malignant catatonia.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.83714

Authors: Maria Beatriz Dias Vieira, Joel Pinto, Cristiana Madaíl Grego, Mónica Almeida, Eduardo Santos Ribeiro

Institution: Unidade Local de Saúde da Região de Aveiro

Language: English

Topic: Electroconvulsive Therapy Studies

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410190260