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Pharmacopsychiatry 2001; 34(1): 41-42
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-15188
Case Report
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal - Induced Catatonia

M. DeuschleF. Lederbogen
  • Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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Benzodiazepines are considered to be the most effective treatment in patients suffering from an acute catatonic syndrome [5]. Especially lorazepam has been proven to alleviate psychomotor retardation and mutism [4]. The positive effects of benzodiazepines in catatonic patients are reported to be fully reversed by benzodiazepine receptor antagonists [6]. While there is sufficient evidence supporting the efficacy of benzodiazepines in acute catatonia, only few cases with catatonic symptoms due to abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal have been reported. Two of these patients developed catatonia after discontinuing treatment with several psychopharmacological agents, benzodiazepines being one of them [1] [2]. Rosebush and Mazurek , however, reported four elderly patients with catatonia after withdrawal of benzodiazepines, the only substance previously given [3]. We report the case of a middle-aged patient suffering from a clear catatonic syndrome after withdrawal of benzodiazepines.

References

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Dr. Michael Deuschle

Central Institute of Mental Health J5

68159 Mannheim

Phone: ++ 49-621-1703-626

Fax: ++ 49-621-1703-891

Email: deuschle@as200.zi-mannheim.de

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