Study of Lorazepam Blood Levels and Treatment Response in Adults with Catatonia

What this Trial Is About

Catatonia is a serious psychomotor condition affecting about 10% of acute psychiatric inpatients, characterized by symptoms like catalepsy, stupor, agitation, mutism, and others as defined by DSM-5. It can occur in psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders or schizophrenia, as well as in non-psychiatric conditions like metabolic disturbances and infections. Researchers are assessing how genetic differences affect the metabolism of lorazepam, a common treatment for catatonia, and how this relates to patients clinical response. The study observes adults diagnosed with catatonia who are treated with lorazepam at a fixed dosage. Plasma levels of lorazepam are measured after 72 hours to understand the relationship between blood concentration, treatment response, and genetic variants that may speed up lorazepam metabolism. This observational approach helps identify patients who may not respond well to lorazepam so that their treatment can be adjusted early. Participants will undergo blood tests to measure lorazepam concentrations and genetic analysis to detect metabolic differences. The main outcome is the plasma concentration of lorazepam after three days of treatment. The study monitors treatment response and metabolism without altering usual care. Participation continues as per study protocol, and the research team aims to find factors predicting treatment success or failure in catatonia management.

Blood Concentration in Lorazepam and Treatment in Adult Catatonia