Alcoholism and Catatonia: An Underappreciated Relationship

Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome that has been described in medical literature since the 16th century [1]. Lifethreatening complications involving every organ system can ensue, signaling high levels of associated morbidity and mortality [2]. To this day, little is known about the etiology of catatonia [3]. Catatonia occurs most frequently in patients with affective disorders and schizophrenia, and is more common in medical or neurologic conditions [1]. However, there is a dearth of literature describing the relationship between alcohol use disorders and catatonia. Here we present the case of an older woman admitted for catatonia in the context of a history of alcohol use and Bipolar I disorder. We propose that her alcohol use could be a factor contributing to the onset of catatonia.