Catatonia: Neuroimaging, Immunology and Psychopathology (CAT:NIP) (360G-Wellcome-220659_Z_20_Z)

Background: Catatonia is a severe psychiatric illness in which individuals have difficulties in moving and speaking. I aim to understand what brain changes occur during catatonia. Approach: Patients with catatonia are usually effectively treated using medications from the benzodiazepine class, which increase the activity of pathways relying on the neurotransmitter GABA. In addition, 88% of patients with a form of brain inflammation known as NMDA receptor encephalitis have catatonia, which suggests that the neurotransmitter glutamate might also be relevant. To investigate the roles of these neurotransmitters, we have two main experiments: \- We will take blood samples from patients with catatonia to examine whether they have antibodies to cell surface components associated with GABA and glutamate transmission. We will use these blood samples to investigate whether any new antibodies or other proteins that bind to the brain or affect brain function can be found. \- We will conduct a form of brain scan called magnetic resonance spectroscopy on patients with catatonic features. This will allow us to examine the levels of GABA and glutamate in their brains and to compare these to other patients without catatonic features. Impact: We hope to identify what causes catatonia in order to appropriately target future treatments