Ethical dilemmas in the care of patients suffering from psychotic catatonia: a case report.
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
39975951
Abstract
Background
Coercive measures in psychiatric practice are controversial due to their potential for severe negative effects. Ethical debates focus on respecting autonomy, minimizing damaging effects, and acting in the patient's best interest.Case
We present a unique case of a young patient suffering from a first episode of catatonic psychosis, in which striking this balance was especially difficult given the patient's complete mutism and opposition, given the absence of immediate danger to herself or others, the lack of anamnestic information, and her avoidance of social support, which would have meant that she would not have encountered psychiatric care, were it not for an exceptional government plan in place at the time of hospitalization. The patient showed a very favorable, persistent response to nonvoluntary treatment with haloperidol and lorazepam, which could be discussed and debriefed once she recovered, after almost 5 months of hospitalization and follow-up.Discussion
Arguments for and against nonvoluntary treatment are reviewed based on discussion with the local ethics committee, providing a useful reference for future similar cases. Finally, this case highlights an atypical onset of psychosis in a previously high-functioning individual and explores the mental health impact of international tensions, particularly the Russian-Ukrainian war, on individuals.
Coercive measures in psychiatric practice are controversial due to their potential for severe negative effects. Ethical debates focus on respecting autonomy, minimizing damaging effects, and acting in the patient's best interest.Case
We present a unique case of a young patient suffering from a first episode of catatonic psychosis, in which striking this balance was especially difficult given the patient's complete mutism and opposition, given the absence of immediate danger to herself or others, the lack of anamnestic information, and her avoidance of social support, which would have meant that she would not have encountered psychiatric care, were it not for an exceptional government plan in place at the time of hospitalization. The patient showed a very favorable, persistent response to nonvoluntary treatment with haloperidol and lorazepam, which could be discussed and debriefed once she recovered, after almost 5 months of hospitalization and follow-up.Discussion
Arguments for and against nonvoluntary treatment are reviewed based on discussion with the local ethics committee, providing a useful reference for future similar cases. Finally, this case highlights an atypical onset of psychosis in a previously high-functioning individual and explores the mental health impact of international tensions, particularly the Russian-Ukrainian war, on individuals.
Date Issued
2025
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Subjects
MRI
•
Weddinger Model
•
case report
•
catatonia
•
ethics
•
nonvoluntary treatment
•
psychiatry
•
psychosis
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Saccaro, Luigi F | |
Privé, Barbara | |
Bridel, Claire | |
Sentissi, Othman | |
Wullschleger, Alexandre |
Additional Credits
Journal
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Publisher
Frontiers Media
ISSN
1664-0640
Access(Rights)
open.access