Rapid resolution of catatonia secondary to post traumatic stress disorder with secondary psychotic features through scheduled zolpidem tartrate

Catatonia is a complication of numerous psychiatric and medical conditions. The first-line treatment is typically management of the underlying primary condition as well as scheduled benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy. Electroconvulsive therapy and benzodiazepines are not always tolerated or available when treating patients with catatonia. For this reason, other treatment regimens have been trialed in recent years, including the GABA-modulatory Z drugs such as zolpidem. Some alternative treatment modalities have shown great promise. However, which populaces these are most beneficial for is still unclear. In this article, we examine a case report of a woman who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder with secondary psychotic features who experienced recurrent akinetic catatonia that was refractory to benzodiazepine therapy. She responded rapidly to scheduled zolpidem with minimal side effects. It is our author's belief that when managing catatonia in patients with post traumatic stress disorder with secondary psychosis, Z drugs may be preferable to benzodiazepines.

Automated summary

Catatonia is a complicated condition associated with various psychiatric and medical conditions. The standard treatment involves managing the underlying primary condition and using benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy. However, some patients do not tolerate or have access to these treatments, leading to the exploration of alternative options such as Z drugs. In this case report, the patient with post-traumatic stress disorder and secondary psychotic features showed a positive response to scheduled zolpidem, suggesting that Z drugs may be preferable to benzodiazepines in managing catatonia in similar populations.