Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie 46 (2004) 5, 323 - 327

Non-malignant or malignant catatonia: a distinction with important consequences

D.W.W. de Knijff, M. van Est, J.H. Henrichs, J.J.M. van Hoof

Summary The catatonic syndrome is discussed on the basis of the recent literature and two case studies. A distinction can be made between the malignant form and the non-malignant form of the catatonic syndrome, each being dealt with separately. The malignant form is a life-threatening syndrome which can be treated effectively with electroconvulsive therapy. The treatment of choice for the non-malignant form consists of benzodiazepines.

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