Explaining catatonia and treatment plan to family — CASC communication station

Open. Introduce role, acknowledge fear, sit, minimise interruptions. “I can see how frightening it is that she cannot speak or move — you are right to ask direct questions.” [1]

Explain catatonia. “We think she has catatonia — a serious but often highly treatable condition where the brain’s control of movement and speech freezes or becomes stuck. It can happen with severe depression and other illnesses. It is not the same as permanent brain death, and many people recover motor function with the right treatment.” [1][2]

What we are doing. “We will carefully examine her, check for medical causes, give fluids and prevent blood clots from lying still, and trial a medicine called lorazepam. A clear improvement after lorazepam supports the diagnosis and is also treatment. If she does not improve, or if she becomes medically unsafe from not eating and drinking, we may recommend ECT, which has strong evidence in catatonia.” [2][3]

ECT balance. “ECT uses a brief controlled seizure under anaesthetic. Temporary memory side effects can occur and we monitor them; for life-threatening catatonia the benefit often outweighs the risk. It is not a punishment and not ‘wiping the person away.’” [2][3]

Close. Summarise plan, invite questions, offer written information and named contact, document discussion. [1]