# Ethical dilemmas in the care of patients suffering from psychotic catatonia: a case report

## TL;DR

This case report explores the ethical challenges of treating a young patient with catatonic psychosis using nonvoluntary measures and highlights the impact of international tensions on mental health.

## Contribution

The paper presents a unique case of nonvoluntary treatment in catatonic psychosis and discusses ethical dilemmas in the absence of patient autonomy.

## Key findings

- The patient showed a favorable response to nonvoluntary treatment with haloperidol and lorazepam.
- The case highlights the ethical complexities of psychiatric care when autonomy is absent and social support is lacking.
- International tensions, such as the Russian-Ukrainian war, were identified as potential contributors to the patient's mental health crisis.

## Abstract

Coercive measures in psychiatric practice are controversial due to their potential for severe negative effects. Ethical debates focus on respecting autonomy, minimizing damaging effects, and acting in the patient’s best interest.

We present a unique case of a young patient suffering from a first episode of catatonic psychosis, in which striking this balance was especially difficult given the patient’s complete mutism and opposition, given the absence of immediate danger to herself or others, the lack of anamnestic information, and her avoidance of social support, which would have meant that she would not have encountered psychiatric care, were it not for an exceptional government plan in place at the time of hospitalization. The patient showed a very favorable, persistent response to nonvoluntary treatment with haloperidol and lorazepam, which could be discussed and debriefed once she recovered, after almost 5 months of hospitalization and follow-up.

Arguments for and against nonvoluntary treatment are reviewed based on discussion with the local ethics committee, providing a useful reference for future similar cases. Finally, this case highlights an atypical onset of psychosis in a previously high-functioning individual and explores the mental health impact of international tensions, particularly the Russian-Ukrainian war, on individuals.