Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for catatonia in a patient with schizophrenia and synthetic cannabinoid abuse: a case report

J ECT. 2013 Dec;29(4):e61-2. doi: 10.1097/YCT.0b013e318290fa36.

Abstract

We present the case of a young man with a long-standing history of schizophrenia who presented with severe and life-threatening catatonia in the setting of synthetic cannabis use who was successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of severe and persistent catatonia in the setting of synthetic cannabis use and the first documented successful treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cannabis / adverse effects*
  • Catatonia / complications
  • Catatonia / therapy*
  • Designer Drugs / adverse effects
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / complications
  • Marijuana Abuse / therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / complications
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Designer Drugs