Successful bilateral electroconvulsive therapy for catatonia presenting with novel climbing behavior in an adolescent with CACNA1A pathogenic variant and autism spectrum disorder: a case report - Takeaways - MDSpire

Successful bilateral electroconvulsive therapy for catatonia presenting with novel climbing behavior in an adolescent with CACNA1A pathogenic variant and autism spectrum disorder: a case report

  • By

  • Lana Abdole

  • Hannah Louise Reynard

  • H. Yavuz Ince

  • Alexander Palffy

  • James Jackson

  • Neera Ghaziuddin

  • April 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    A 16-year-old boy with a CACNA1A pathogenic variant and autism spectrum disorder developed catatonia with unique climbing behaviors.

  • 2

    Bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was safely and effectively used to treat the patient's catatonia, showing significant symptom improvement.

  • 3

    The patient's treatment response was monitored using the Busch-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale and Catatonia Impact Scale, indicating positive outcomes.

  • 4

    Previous pharmacological treatments, including benzodiazepines and valproic acid, had minimal effect on the patient's catatonic symptoms.

  • 5

    This case highlights the importance of considering ECT for managing catatonia in patients with rare genetic disorders like CACNA1A.

Original Source(s)

Successful bilateral electroconvulsive therapy for catatonia presenting with novel climbing behavior in an adolescent with CACNA1A pathogenic variant and autism spectrum disorder: a case report

  • by Lana Abdole, Hannah Louise Reynard, H. Yavuz Ince, Alexander Palffy, James Jackson, Neera Ghaziuddin

  • April 10, 2026

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