Catatonia secondary to synthetic cannabinoid use in two patients with no previous psychosis

The American Journal on Addictions
Madiha KhanNidal Moukaddam

Abstract

Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) have become widely abused as recreational drugs, and are now known to carry risk of severe mental and physical health effects. Catatonia, spanning the gamut from motor retardation to agitation, can constitute a psychiatric emergency for which benzodiazepines are the mainstay of treatment. The purpose of this paper is to report on an unusual occurrence of catatonia in the context of synthetic cannabinoid use, and a discussion of treatment options that have been helpful as adjuncts to benzodiazepines. We present two cases of catatonia occurring in context of SC use. The first patient was using SC quasi-daily for 18 months. The second patient used a large quantity over a two-week period. Both patients were admitted to our emergency center with catatonia and no overt psychosis or mood symptoms. The absence of pre-existing mood or psychotic disorder and the severity of catatonic symptoms separates these cases from other cases reported in the literature. Additionally, pharmacological management targeting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin neurotransmitter systems were used, specifically aripiprazole and valproic acid, supplementing benzodiazepine administration; these were needed for optimal symp...Continue Reading

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Citations

Sep 11, 2019·Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics·Laura OrsoliniFabrizio Schifano
Apr 12, 2017·Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·Neera GhaziuddinDirk M Dhossche
Apr 7, 2020·Archives of Toxicology·Dino Luethi, Matthias E Liechti
Jun 1, 2018·Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity·Andressa Brito LiraHilzeth de Luna Freire Pessôa
Feb 27, 2021·Drug and Chemical Toxicology·Camila Bomfim de SáMargareth de Fátima Formiga Melo Diniz
Apr 28, 2021·Journal of Dual Diagnosis·Raul Felipe Palma-ÁlvarezLara Grau-López

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