A new case report describes two adolescent girls who developed catatonia, a state of unresponsiveness and immobility, after receiving corticosteroid therapy. The report highlights a possible link between these commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs and a serious psychiatric reaction in young people.
The two girls, both treated with corticosteroids for encephalitis (brain inflammation), showed a clear pattern: their catatonia symptoms appeared after the steroid exposure. Over time, with medical care that included stopping or adjusting the steroids and using other treatments, both girls gradually improved and regained abilities they had lost.
This is a case report, meaning it describes just two patients. It cannot prove that corticosteroids caused the catatonia, only that the two events were linked in time. The findings are considered low certainty because of the very small number of cases. Still, the report serves as an important reminder for doctors to watch for this possible side effect in young patients receiving steroids.
For families and patients, the takeaway is not to panic but to be aware. If a child on corticosteroids shows sudden changes in behavior, movement, or responsiveness, it is worth mentioning to the healthcare team. This report does not change current treatment guidelines, but it adds to a growing awareness of steroid-related psychiatric effects in children.
