A catatonic syndrome in a postpartum major depressive episode with psychotic features

It has been recognised that catatonic symptoms can be associated not only with schizophrenia but also with affective disorders. Catatonic syndromes during postpartum affective episodes have rarely been described. We report a female patient suffering from recurrent depression with a diagnosis of postpartum major depressive episode with psychotic features who developed a catatonic syndrome. Her family history is positive for recurrent depressive disorder. She reported that the severe psychomotor retardation and mutism had a strong negative impact on her ability to care for her child. The administration of intravenous lorazepam led to a rapid improvement in the catatonic syndrome. Our case highlights the need for clinicians to be on the watch for the emergence of a catatonic syndrome, not only in cases of psychosis but also in cases of affective disorders, especially during the postpartum period.