Ongoing Clinical Trials for Catatonia
There is currently 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating new treatment options for catatonia, a complex condition characterized by unusual motor behaviors and unresponsiveness. This trial is exploring the use of sodium oxybate as an alternative treatment for patients who do not respond to standard care.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Sodium Oxybate for Treating Catatonia in Patients with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder
This clinical trial is exploring sodium oxybate as a potential new treatment for patients experiencing catatonia alongside certain mental health conditions. The study is being conducted in the Netherlands and focuses on individuals whose symptoms have not improved with standard care.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Admitted to an acute psychiatric ward for treatment
- Diagnosed with catatonia that has not responded to usual care with lorazepam (up to 24 mg over 4 days)
- Diagnosis of unipolar depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or a psychotic disorder according to DSM-5 criteria
- Catatonia symptoms present for no more than eight weeks
Main exclusion criteria:
- Patients not diagnosed with catatonia
- Individuals younger than 18 or older than 65 years of age
- Those unable to provide informed consent to participate in the study
Focus and goal of the trial:
The trial aims to determine whether sodium oxybate can effectively reduce symptoms in patients whose catatonia has not improved with standard treatment. Participants will be treated for four days, and their response will be measured using the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale. A successful response is defined as a 50% reduction in symptoms. The study compares sodium oxybate to usual care, which typically involves lorazepam, a medication commonly used to treat this condition.
Investigational drug:
The medication being tested is sodium oxybate, which is given as an oral liquid solution. Sodium oxybate works by affecting neurotransmitter activity in the brain, particularly influencing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. While it is currently used to treat narcolepsy with cataplexy, this study is investigating whether it can help stabilize mood and reduce the symptoms of catatonia in patients with depression, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders.
Summary
Currently, there is one active clinical trial investigating treatment options for catatonia, located in the Netherlands. This trial focuses on patients who have not responded to standard care and are exploring sodium oxybate as an alternative treatment. The study specifically targets individuals with catatonia occurring alongside depression, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders. The research aims to provide new hope for patients who do not benefit from existing treatments, potentially expanding the available options for managing this challenging condition.
