CATATONIA ON THE CONSULTATION-LIAISON SERVICE - A REPLICATION STUDY

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the frequency, present ation, identification, treatment recommendations and outcome of patien ts with catatonia in the general hospital setting. Method: All patient s seen on a consultation-liaison (C-L) service over a six-month period were screened prospectively for catatonic disorders. Research and DSM -IV criteria for catatonic disorder were applied. Treatment and outcom e were naturalistic. Results: Five (1.6%) of 297 patients met restrict ive criteria for catatonic disorder. Data were extracted from medical charts. Case reports are presented to reflect the diagnosis and treatm ent. Extensive medical treatment was required in most cases and most h ad an unfavorable outcome. Conclusions: Catatonia is infrequent but un derrecognized in medical-surgical settings. The C-L clinician should s creen for catatonic signs in order to diagnose and treat patients with the catatonic disorders.