Emergency Department Presentations for Catatonia: a 2019-2021 National Emergency Department Sample Study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor, affective, cognitive, and behavioral disturbances. Despite its association with significant healthcare costs, morbidity, and preventable mortality, catatonia remains underdiagnosed, particularly in emergency department (ED) settings. Limited data exist on the demographics, diagnostic patterns, and outcomes of catatonia in the ED. This study aims to characterize the epidemiology and healthcare utilization of ED visits associated with catatonia using the National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS).

Methods

We analyzed the NEDS for ED visits with a discharge diagnosis of catatonia between 2019 and 2021, with visits weighted to provide national estimates.

Results

An estimated 51,671 visits (0.013%

SUBMITTER: Luccarelli J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12372172 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature