Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Am J Psychiatry. 1985 Oct;142(10):1137-45. doi: 10.1176/ajp.142.10.1137.

Abstract

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but serious adverse effect of antipsychotic medication. The author describes three new cases and reviews 50 others published in the past 5 years. Demographic and clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, outcome, and pathophysiology are critically reviewed, and a new set of diagnostic criteria, incorporating physical signs and routine laboratory tests, is proposed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacology
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Dantrolene / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dopamine / physiology
  • Dopamine Antagonists
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Malignant Hyperthermia / diagnosis
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy
  • Receptors, Dopamine / drug effects
  • Receptors, Dopamine / physiology
  • Rhabdomyolysis / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Dopamine Antagonists
  • Receptors, Dopamine
  • Bromocriptine
  • Dantrolene
  • Dopamine