Case Series: Catatonia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Neuropsychiatric symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) are a complex condition with varying prevalence rates, ranging from 37% to 95%. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) issued the case definitions for NPSLE syndromes in 1999, but did not include catatonia, a behavioral syndrome characterized by unusual movement and immobility. Catatonia, a multifaceted syndrome, is characterized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and requires a more general evaluation of neuropsychiatric symptoms. In this case series, we discuss two SLE cases where catatonia was a prominent neuropsychiatric feature, emphasizing the importance of recognizing catatonia as a possible complication, enhancing management of complex clinical scenarios, and timely intervention.