Relapsing-remitting psychosis with malignant catatonia: a multidisciplinary challenge

Abstract

Malignant catatonia is a life-threatening syndrome that could be observed in various psychiatric and neurological conditions. We describe the challenging case of a young woman with relapsing-remitting malignant catatonia, which finally resolve after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Details regarding her psychiatric symptoms, dynamics, and EEG features during each acute and post-acute phases of the disease are described and long-term follow-ups are provided. We emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary cross talk between neurologists and psychiatrists to ensure adequate management of this dangerous condition. Knowledge and gaps in the field of autoimmune psychosis are also discussed.

Keywords: Autoimmune encephalitis; acute psychosys; catatonia; electroconvulsive therapy; electroencephalography.