Benzodiazepines and Catatonia: A Case Report *

Abstract

The case history of a patient with presumed psychogenic catatonia who responded dramatically to two mg of IM lorazepam is presented. This patient, who had been largely mute and immobile for over a week despite neuroleptic therapy, became freely conversant and mobile within 30 minutes of the administration of lorazepam. This response was repeated the next day after the patient had again become mute and immobile. Catatonia and its diverse etiologies are discussed, with an emphasis on its syndromic nature. The literature on the response of catatonia to the benzodiazepines is reviewed and it is suggested that a trial of benzodiazepines may be helpful in both the evaluation and long term management of patients with catatonia.