Tics as signs of catatonia: electroconvulsive therapy response in 2 men.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Tics have rarely been described in catatonia although tics are sudden and nonrhythmic variants of stereotypic or repetitive movement abnormalities that are considered cardinal symptoms of catatonia. We describe 2 men with tics and self-injurious behavior, who met criteria for catatonia. One patient met criteria for autism.

CASE REPORTS:

We reported 2 new cases and performed a literature review using PubMed to identify other cases of tics that were treated with electroconvulsive therapy. Tics along with other catatonic symptoms and self-injurious behavior responded to electroconvulsive therapy in 2 men. Eight other patients with tics that were treated with electroconvulsive therapy were found in the literature. Catatonia was recognized in 4 of the 8 patients. Two patients met criteria for autism.

CONCLUSIONS:

Tics, with or without self-injurious behavior, may be signs of catatonia. Patients with tics or Tourette syndrome warrant assessment for catatonia. If catatonia is present, electroconvulsive therapy provides a safe but rarely used alternative to pharmacotherapy, psychosurgery, or invasive brain stimulation in the treatment of tics and Tourette syndrome.

• Authors: Dirk M Dhossche, Irving M Reti, Shashidhar M Shettar, Lee E Wachtel
• Journal: The journal of ECT (J ECT) Vol. 26 Issue 4 Pg. 266-9 (Dec 2010) ISSN: 1533-4112 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21155151 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Autistic Disorder (complications)
• Catatonia (complications, therapy)
• Depression (complications, psychology, therapy)
• Electroconvulsive Therapy
• Humans
• Male
• Recurrence
• Self-Injurious Behavior (therapy)
• Tics (etiology)
• Tourette Syndrome (psychology, therapy)
• Young Adult