Untreated catatonia can have a number of complications, which can vary, depending on whether the patient shows excitement or withdrawal.
Patient selection: catatonia
Complications during the excited phase:
(1) trauma or violence
(2) autonomic instability
Complications during the withdrawal phase:
(1) reduced food intake with malnutrition
(2) dehydration
(3) pneumonia
(4) deep vein thrombosis associated with reduced mobility
(5) pressure ulcers
(6) muscle contractures
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) can overlap with catatonia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome can be misdiagnosed as catatonia, and a patient with catatonia can develop NMS.
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