Recurrent Catatonia in the Setting of Sickle Cell Pain Crises: Case Report

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome with motor and behavioral symptoms, including mutism, negativism, posturing, stereotypy, and hypoactivity. Although previously linked primarily to psychiatric illness, a variety of medical conditions and substance intoxication or withdrawal have also been implicated. It is important to identify all potential underlying drivers of catatonia and treat them along with the catatonia itself for the best outcome. We present the case of a 48-year-old female with a psychiatric history of bipolar disorder and past medical history of sickle cell disease who has frequently presented to the hospital with sickle cell pain crises. She has had at least 11 incidences of sickle cell pain crisis with a comorbid episode of catatonia, a condition that has not been previously well reported with the development of recurrent catatonia in the literature. Improvement of symptoms in this patient requires management of both her pain crisis and benzodiazepines for treatment of catatonia.