The Lysing of Catatonia With Intravenous Ketamine Prior to Definitive Treatment With Electroconvulsive Therapy

The presence of catatonia refractory to routine pharmacologic management is often subsequently managed by electroconvulsive therapy. However, legal obstacles that delay the initiation of electroconvulsive therapy in a timely fashion may be present. This may lead to prolonged risks associated with immobility and result in other procedures such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. We present a case of successful lysing of catatonia with intravenous ketamine that allowed a patient to avoid potential complications and other procedures prior to definitive treatment with electroconvulsive therapy. Further research of this potential treatment of catatonia is needed as this may change the current approach to refractory catatonia.