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Neurodegenerative and psychiatric overlap in frontotemporal lobar degeneration: a case of familial frontotemporal dementia presenting with catatonia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 August 2013

Alvin C. Holm
Alvin C. Holm*
Affiliation:
Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders Program at Bethesda Hospital, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr Alvin C. Holm, MD, FACP, Bethesda Hospital 559 Capitol Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55103, USA. Phone: +651-326-2173. Email: aholm@healtheast.org.
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Abstract

The behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) begins with psychiatric symptoms, including changes in personal conduct and/or interpersonal behavior. Prior to developing cognitive impairment, differentiating FTD from primary psychiatric disorders, like schizophrenia, can be challenging. This paper presents a case of traumatic brain injury with subsequent depression and catatonia. Initial response to electroconvulsive therapy and lorazepam suggested primarily psychiatric pathology. Subsequent symptom progression, reduced treatment response, and detailed family history evaluation led to the diagnosis of familial FTD with C9ORF72 mutation. This case highlights that familial FTD can present with depression with suicidal tendencies and catatonia, and that the responsiveness of these behavioral manifestations to standard therapies can change over time.

Keywords

catatoniaelectroconvulsive therapyfrontotemporal dementiageneticslorazepam
Type
Case Report
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 26 , Issue 2 , February 2014 , pp. 345 - 347
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2013 

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