Catatonia After COVID-19: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused widespread mortality and significant morbidity in survivors.
• The long-term health consequences and evolving understanding of COVID-19 morbidity necessitate further clinical investigation.
• Catatonia, a neuropsychiatric syndrome, can be mistaken for other forms of delirium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe three cases of catatonia occurring in patients following COVID-19 infection.
• To raise awareness among clinicians regarding the potential association between COVID-19 and catatonia.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing and diagnosing catatonia for timely and effective treatment.

Main Methods:

• Case report methodology was employed.
• Detailed clinical observations and diagnostic evaluations of three patients presenting with catatonia post-COVID-19 were conducted.
• Literature review on COVID-19 associated neurological complications and catatonia was performed.

Main Results:

• Three distinct cases of catatonia were identified in patients with a history of COVID-19 infection.
• The clinical presentation of catatonia in these cases varied but was clearly linked to the preceding viral illness.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment led to positive outcomes in the reported cases.

Conclusions:

• Catatonia is a potential neurological complication of COVID-19 infection.
• Increased clinical awareness can improve the recognition and diagnosis of post-COVID-19 catatonia.
• Effective treatment strategies for catatonia can mitigate long-term morbidity in COVID-19 survivors.