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Lorazepam for chronic catatonia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study
G S Ungvari1, H F Chiu, L Y Chow
1Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, SAR, China. gsungvari@cuhk.edu.hk
Psychopharmacology
|May 6, 1999
Summary
Benzodiazepines (BZD) did not improve chronic catatonia in schizophrenia patients. This suggests acute and persistent catatonic syndromes may have different neurobiological underpinnings, requiring distinct treatment approaches.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute catatonic syndromes often respond to benzodiazepines (BZD).
- Limited research exists on BZD efficacy for persistent catatonic states in schizophrenia.
- Chronic schizophrenia patients can exhibit enduring catatonic features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of lorazepam in treating persistent catatonia in stable chronic schizophrenia.
- To determine if benzodiazepines are effective for chronic catatonic symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.
- Eighteen patients with chronic schizophrenia and enduring catatonia received lorazepam (6 mg/day) or placebo.
- Clinical and motor assessments were conducted regularly; pre-existing medications remained constant.
Main Results:
- Lorazepam showed no significant effect on catatonic signs and symptoms.
- No improvement was observed in motor or clinical conditions related to catatonia.
- The study did not find evidence supporting BZD treatment for chronic catatonia in schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
- Benzodiazepines may not be effective for persistent catatonic syndromes in chronic schizophrenia.
- Acute and chronic catatonia might possess distinct neurobiological mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to explore alternative treatments for chronic catatonia.