How do you treat catatonic schizophrenia?

Specifically, a class of anti-anxiety drugs called benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” along with ECT, is considered the first-line treatment for catatonic symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe: Alprazolam (Xanax), an anti-anxiety drug. Lorazepam (Ativan, Lorazepan, Intensol), used to treat epilepsy and anxiety.

How do I stop being catatonic?

Doctors often prescribe benzodiazepines as the first-line treatment for catatonia. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan), have anxiety-relieving and muscle-relaxing properties. A doctor can administer the medicine intravenously (IV) if a person is unable to take it orally.

Is catatonic permanent?

However, some people with catatonia may exhibit excessive movement and agitated behavior. Catatonia can last anywhere from a few hours to weeks, months, or years. It can reoccur frequently for weeks to years after the initial episode. If catatonia is a symptom of an identifiable cause, it’s called extrinsic.

How can catatonic schizophrenia be prevented?

Following your treatment plan is the best way to prevent symptoms of catatonic schizophrenia. Second, you can closely monitor your disease, inform friends, family members, and your doctor if you think you are going to have an outbreak. Third, stay away from substances that could make the disorder worse.

Can a catatonic state be cured?

“Catatonia is treatable, but the sad component is that the true diagnosis is often not made and appropriate treatment is not provided,” Max Fink, MD, professor emeritus of psychiatry and neurology, Stony Brook School of Medicine, New York, told Psychiatry Advisor.

How can I help a catatonic person?

Doctors usually treat catatonia with a kind of sedative called a benzodiazepine that’s often used to ease anxiety. Another treatment option is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It sends electrical impulses to the person’s brain through electrodes placed on their head.

Can you fully recover from catatonia?

Most patients respond well to catatonia treatment, with up to 80\% achieving relief through benzodiazepines or barbiturates and the remainder showing improvement from ECT. However, some patients seem to be resistant to treatment, particularly ECT.

How long does catatonic schizophrenia last?

You may experience decreased symptoms right away. Sometimes, though, you may not see the full effects of treatment for 3 to 6 weeks. For some, the medication may take up to 12 weeks to reach full effect. Some medications may continue to improve your symptoms over the course of many months.

Can you recover from catatonia?

Can Catatonia be fatal?

Catatonic syndrome carries relatively high mortality. One of the causes of death is pulmonary embolism. Prolonged immobility, dehydration, use of low-potency antipsychotic drugs, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) increase the risk of venous thromboembolism.

What medication helps with catatonia?

Medications that may be used in the treatment of patients suffering from catatonia include benzodiazepines, carbamazepine, zolpidem, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), muscle relaxants, amobarbital, reserpine, thyroid hormone, lithium carbonate, bromocriptine, and neuroleptics.

Can stress cause a catatonic state?

Doctors believe catatonic depression can be caused by other underlying mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the exact cause of catatonic depression is not known.