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Catatonia in autism: implications across the life span

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Abstract

Background

There is increasing evidence that catatonia is an important source of impairment in adolescents and adults with autism.

Aim

Review of the evaluation, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of catatonia in autism.

Method

Presentation and discussion of a case-vignette spanning early childhood to adulthood.

Results

Autistic and catatonic symptoms overlap, yet catatonia is diagnosable in about one of seven adolescents and young adults with autism. Case-reports suggest that benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy are effective treatments in the acute and maintenance phase for people with autism who develop catatonia.

Conclusions

Catatonia should be assessed in people with autism when there is an obvious and marked deterioration in movement, vocalizations, pattern of activities, self-care, and practical skills. Benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy are favored options for acute and maintenance treatment in these cases. Further studies on the possible biological-genetic overlap between autism and catatonia would be helpful.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University Medical School, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda

    Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige MB.Ch.B, M.Med

  2. Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins, School of Medicine, 707 North Broadway Street, Room 232, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Lee E. Wachtel M.D.

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA

    Dirk M. Dhossche M.D., Ph.D.

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  1. Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige MB.Ch.B, M.Med
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  2. Lee E. Wachtel M.D.
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  3. Dirk M. Dhossche M.D., Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Dirk M. Dhossche M.D., Ph.D..

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Kakooza-Mwesige, A., Wachtel, L.E. & Dhossche, D.M. Catatonia in autism: implications across the life span. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 17, 327–335 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-008-0676-x

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