The Lysing of Catatonia With Intravenous Ketamine Prior to Definitive Treatment With Electroconvulsive Therapy.
Erich J Conrad, Zachary F Stielper, Isabelle V Mermilliod, Matthew R Eng
The Journal of ECT April 15, 2025 DOI: 10.1097/YCT.0000000000001151 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A patient with refractory catatonia |
| Intervention | Intravenous ketamine |
| Topics | Ketamine Esketamine |
| Keywords | #ketamine-therapy ketamine treatment Ketamine infusion #catatonia-treatment catatonic syndrome Catatonic state #ect electroconvulsive therapy Electroshock therapy #emergency |
| Key findings | Intravenous ketamine successfully resolved catatonia in a patient, allowing avoidance of complications and procedures before definitive electroconvulsive therapy. |
Abstract
The presence of catatonia refractory to routine pharmacologic management is often subsequently managed by electroconvulsive therapy. However, legal obstacles that delay the initiation of electroconvulsive therapy in a timely fashion may be present. This may lead to prolonged risks associated with immobility and result in other procedures such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. We present a case of successful lysing of catatonia with intravenous ketamine that allowed a patient to avoid potential complications and other procedures prior to definitive treatment with electroconvulsive therapy. Further research of this potential treatment of catatonia is needed as this may change the current approach to refractory catatonia.