Cannabis-Induced Catatonia in a 15-Year-Old Male: A Case Report

Catatonia is a syndrome of primarily psychomotor disturbances most common in psychiatric mood disorders but that also rarely has been described in association with cannabis use.

A 15-year-old White male presented with left leg weakness, altered mental status, and chest pain, which then progressed to global weakness, minimal speech, and a fixed gaze. After ruling out organic causes of his symptoms, cannabis-induced catatonia was suspected, and the patient responded immediately and completely to lorazepam administration.

Cannabis-induced catatonia has been described in several case reports worldwide, with a wide range and duration of symptoms reported. There is little known about the risk factors, treatment, and prognosis of cannabis-induced catatonia.

This report emphasizes the importance of clinicians maintaining a high index of suspicion to accurately diagnose and treat cannabis-induced neuropsychiatric conditions, which is especially important as the use of high-potency cannabis products in young people increases.