N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for treatment of catatonia in adults: Narrative review

While the majority of patients with catatonia fully respond to benzodiazepines or ECT, some have a partial or no response. Benzodiazepines may be contraindicated such as when delirium co-exists. This review discusses the utility of NMDA receptor antagonists as alternatives to benzodiazepines in the treatment of catatonia in adults.