The Lysing of Catatonia With Intravenous Ketamine Prior to Definitive Treatment With Electroconvulsive Therapy.
The journal of ECT April 15, 2025 Erich J Conrad, Zachary F Stielper, Isabelle V Mermilliod et al.
Catatonia that does not respond to standard medications is often treated with electroconvulsive therapy, but legal delays can postpone this treatment, increasing risks from immobility and leading to procedures like feeding tube placement. A case is presented in which intravenous ketamine successfully resolved catatonia, allowing a patient to avoid complications and additional procedures before receiving electroconvulsive therapy. The authors suggest further research is needed, as ketamine may change the current approach to refractory catatonia.