Improvement of catatonia-induced rapid respiratory failure with electroconvulsive therapy: A case report.

We encountered a case of sudden respiratory failure during treatment of catatonia that required intensive care. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was administered in the intensive care unit while the patient was under systemic control. The catatonia symptom was relieved, and respiratory failure improved. Although a proximal venous thrombus was observed, anticoagulation therapy was continued during ECT, and the patient was successfully treated without causing a pulmonary embolism. It is crucial to monitor the patient's physical and psychological symptoms because respiratory status may deteriorate rapidly in a catatonic state.