Midazolam and the Treatment of Catatonia in Major Depression in an Older Adult

The case of a 74-year-old male who presented with symptoms of catatonia is reported. These symptoms responded to midazolam, a benzodiazepine. Midazolam was administered as a preprocedural sedative – in this period the subject was able to describe his symptoms of dysphoria, including suicidal ideation. After starting treatment with lorazepam & nortriptyline, the patient showed improvement & was discharged. The differentiation of catatonia & dementia in older patients is discussed. (23 refs.)