OBJECTIVE

We describe a case of psychogenic malignant catatonia resulting in permanent cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by catalepsy, negativism, mutism, muscular rigidity, and mannerisms, often accompanied by autonomic instability and fever. Little is known about the long-term cognitive consequences of the syndrome.

METHODS

Medical history includes neurologic examination, neuropsychological evaluation, electroencephalographic data, magnetic resonance imaging, sodium amytal interview, and treatment with electroconvulsive therapy.

RESULTS

Selective deficits in executive function and an anterograde amnesia were evident a week post-ECT treatment and continued to be present at follow-up after 2 years and 8 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The permanent cognitive impairments are considered in the context of catatonia as a frontal lobe syndrome.