Catatonic Symptoms in a 13 Year Old Female Presenting with a Febrile Illness: A Case Report
[1]
Chikezie, Uzoechi Eze, Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Niger Delta University, Amassoma Bayelsa state, Nigeria.
[2]
Ebuenyi, Ikenna Desmond, Department of Internal Medicine, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri Bayelsa state, Nigeria.
Few studies have reported the occurrence of catatonia in Nigeria and especially in the Niger Delta region. It is thought to be very rare among children and adolescents and occurs as a subtype of schizophrenia. This report also highlights the influence of some socio-cultural factors on patient management. We report a case of a 13 year old female with a febrile illness who presented with complaints of abnormal posturing of one month and reduced verbal communication of two weeks durations. She was commenced on medications but a week later, the parents signed against medical advice on the conviction that the ailment was spiritual. Catatonia may not be as rare as is believed and may increasingly be associated with other disorders than schizophrenia. A high index of suspicion should be entertained so as to promptly identify cases and institute treatment. Cultural influences and caregiver education are very important in the management.
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