MALIGNANT CATATONIA

The authors review catatonia, especially malignant catatonia, suggest a revised nomenclature, and establish a basis for furthering our under standing and treatment of this syndrome. After a brief historical revi ew of catatonia, they review all available recent (1986-1991) English- language reports on malignant catatonia and summarize 5 cases of psych iatric malignant catatonia seen at their institution. Although much ha s been written about malignant catatonia ''due to neuroleptics,'' mali gnant catatonia caused by other factors has received less attention, h indering our ability to recognize and treat non-neuroleptic-induced ma lignant catatonia. Catatonia, including malignant catatonia, occurs in frequently, but recognition and management are essential with a syndro me that can be life-threatening.