Catatonic stupor: a diagnostically non-specific but distinct syndrome.

Catatonic stupor is a severe and potentially life-threatening syndrome Unfortunately, recognition is often delayed hindering the prompt institution of effective therapy. Diagnostic confusion may also preclude appropriate treatment. Despite extensive evidence than catatonia is a diagnostically non-specific cross-sectional clinical syndrome it is often assumed to indicate schizophrenia and is treated accordingly with neuroleptics whereas it appears that electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is the treatment of choice. A case illustrating these issues is presented.