Benzodiazapines for extreme movement problems (catatonia) in persons with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses
Some people who have schizophrenia or other serious mental illnesses
develop catatonia which consists of extreme lack of movement or
constant repetitive movement, over which they seem to have very little
control.
Whilst in a catatonic state these people are unable to interact with
their environmental and may go on acquire secondary problems such a
pneumonia, malnutrition or dehydration. Current treatments for this
are either drugs, which are given by injection or electric shock
treatment (electroconvulsive therapy). The aim of this review is to
looks at how effective benzodiazipines are compared to placebo or other
drug treatments in treating this problem. However, while some clinical
trials that seemed relevant were identified, no usable data could be
extracted from them. There is no good trial-derived data on this
subject. However, there are five trials on which more information
needs to be collected. In the longer term, to make sure people with
catatonia receive the most effective treatment, this is an area that
would benefit from good research and well planned and reported trials.
Also, since the condition is rare, there should be good communication
between those in evolved in researching it.
