Catatonia refers to a broad group of movement abnormalities usually associated with mood disorders and schizophrenia. Periodic catatonia is characterized by catatonic episodes occurring in a cyclical pattern with clinical features of combined stupor and excitement, remissions to an interval state and an autosomal dominant pattern of transmission (Meyer et al, 2001; Stober, 1995). The role of benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and Lithium in the prevention of recurrence in periodic catatonia has been documented. We present two cases of periodic catatonia treated with Lithium and carbamazepine. Also, we want to discuss the salient features of periodic catatonia cases reported so far in the literature, to the best of our knowledge. Can we consider periodic catatonia as a different nosological status? Or it is early or it is late?

To describe two cases of periodic catatonia and their treatment with mood lithium/carbamazepine

To discuss the cases of periodic catatonia in the literature

To examine the nosological status of this entity

Medline search will be made using appropriate key words

Total number of cases of periodic catatonia is more from asian countries, other case characteristics will be descriptive.

Catatonia less prevalent in European countries unlike in developing countries including India. Recurrent catatonia, as expected, is still less common. Sometimes treatment of periodic catatonia is beyond Benzodiazepines / ECT /antipsychotics. In such cases Lithium and Carbamazepine may be helpful. Weather periodic catatonia needs a different nosological status is to be debated.