Catatonia and melancholia interface: exploring a new paradigm for evaluation and treatment. A case series and literature review

ConclusionThe present study argues for a closer relationship between melancholia and catatonia based on our case series, historical review, overlap in phenomenology, and response to treatment. We propose provisional [Mahgoub] criteria for patients with severe depression and melancholia. The role of GABA agonists, such as lorazepam, can be explored as an option for patients with treatment-resistant depression who meet these criteria for melancholia.LimitationsAbsence of a standardized, systematic assessment tool and a small sample size.
Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research