Combination of Diazepam and Aripiprazole for Managing Catatonic Stupor

Overview

This case study presents a 52-year-old patient with schizophrenia who developed catatonic stupor alongside severe physical illnesses, including venous thrombosis. Treatment with a combination of diazepam and aripiprazole resulted in significant improvement in catatonic symptoms, as evidenced by a greater than 70% reduction in the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale score.

Background

Catatonic stupor is a severe condition often associated with schizophrenia and can lead to life-threatening complications such as hyperthermia and venous thrombosis. Timely and effective treatment is crucial to prevent clinical deterioration. Traditional interventions like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those with concurrent medical issues.

Data Highlights

The patient showed a reduction rate exceeding 70% on the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) after treatment.

Key Findings

• The patient presented with catatonic stupor and multiple severe physical illnesses.
• Diazepam and aripiprazole were used as a combined treatment regimen.
• Significant improvement in catatonic symptoms was observed post-treatment.
• The BFCRS score reduction indicated effective therapeutic intervention.
• This case suggests a potential new treatment option for high-risk catatonic patients.

Clinical Implications

The combination of diazepam and aripiprazole may provide a safer alternative for managing catatonic stupor in patients with contraindications to ECT. Clinicians should consider this regimen in similar high-risk cases to improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

This case highlights the effectiveness of combining diazepam and aripiprazole in treating catatonic stupor, particularly in patients with complicating medical conditions. Further research may validate this approach as a standard treatment option.

Related Resources & Content

1. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- An Uncommon Instance of Isovaleric Acidemia Accompanied by Schizophrenia: A Case Study
2. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Aripiprazole as second-line pharmacotherapy for a heterogeneous cohort of refractory functional dizziness disorders: a pilot preliminary retrospective study
3. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2020 -- Monthly Long-Acting Injectable Aripiprazole for Schizophrenia Patients with Concurrent Substance Use Disorders: Findings from a Multicenter Observational Study
4. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Lorazepam-induced full resolution of catatonia and psychosis in Parkinson’s disease with acromegaly: a case report
5. Resource Document on Catatonia, 2025 -- American Psychiatric Association
6. Resource Document on Catatonia
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8. Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in adults hospitalised for psychiatric illness: an evidence-based clinical practice guideline developed using GRADE - PMC