Electroconvulsive therapy for malignant catatonia in childhood.

A 13-year-old female is described with presumed viral encephalitis, who developed progressive catatonia, agitation, and autonomic dysfunction. The diagnosis of malignant catatonia was made, and the patient improved with electroconvulsive treatment. This article discusses features, causes, differential diagnosis, and treatment of malignant catatonia. In children with this syndrome, electroconvulsive treatment should be considered.