Episodic catatonia, hypertension, and tachycardia: elevated plasma catecholamines.

We studied autonomic function in a 34-year-old woman who had episodes of catatonia, hypertension, and tachycardia. In one of these episodes, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were extremely high. Catecholamine clearance was normal. Platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors were normal in number and affinity. Results of the phenylephrine infusion test suggested that these episodes were due to central activation of the sympathetic nervous system.