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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2020 Jul 1.
Published in final edited form as: Lancet Psychiatry. 2019 Jun 10;6(7):610–619. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30474-7

Panel 2:

Clinical Recommendations

  • Ensure correct diagnosis of catatonia including use of rating scales (see checklist Panel 1A and 1B) or other diagnostic criteria

  • Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism, prevent pressure ulcer, prevent muscle contractions, ensure proper hydration and avoid malnutrition.

  • Benzodiazepines (lorazepam) sublingually, intravenous or intramuscularly in acute catatonia

  • If no response to benzodiazepines or life-threatening condition pursue electroconvulsive therapy