The clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and treatment of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome and neuroleptic-induced catatonia are discussed. A case is presented in which the catatonic-like behavior and extrapyramidal sequelae of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome responded to combined treatment with anticholinergics and levodopa/carbidopa. Differential diagnosis and theories regarding the development of these neuroleptic-induced disorders are reviewed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
CaroffS. N.The Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, J. Clin. Psychiat., 41, pp. 79–83, 1980.
2.
GelenbergA. J. and MandelM. R.Catatonic Reactions to High-Potency Neuroleptic Drugs, Arch. Gen. Psychiat., 34, pp. 947–950, 1977.
3.
HendersonV. W. and WootenG. F.Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A Pathogenic Role for Dopamine Receptor Blockade?, Neurology, 31, pp. 132–137, 1981.
4.
JesseeS. S. and AndersonG. F.ECT in the Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Case Report, J. Clin. Psychiat., 44, pp. 186–188, 1983.
5.
PowersP.DouglasT., and WaziriR.Hyperpyrexia in a Catatonic State, Dis. Nerv. Syst., 37, pp. 359–361, 1976.
6.
MuellerP. S.VesterJ. W., and FermaglishJ.Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Successful Treatment with Bromocriptine, J.A.M.A., 249: 3, pp. 386–388, 1983.
7.
CoonsD. J.HillmanF. J., and MarshallR. W.Treatment of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome with Dantrolene Sodium: A Case Report, Amer. J. Psychiat., 139, pp. 944–945, 1982.
8.
RileyT.BrannonW. L., and DavisW.Phenothiazine Reaction Simulating Acute Catatonia: Case Report, Postgrad. Med., 60, pp. 171–173, 1976.
9.
UngvariG. and PethoB.Reversal of Neuroleptic-Induced Stupor by Procyclidin: Two Case Reports and Their Theoretical Implications, Pharmakopsychiat., 12, pp. 257–260, 1979.
10.
CoxB., Dopamine, in Body Temperature: Regulation, Drug Effects and Therapeutic Implications, LomaxP. and SchonbaumE. (eds.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, pp. 234–255, 1979.
11.
WeinbergerD. R. and KellyM. J.Catatonia and Malignant Syndrome: A Possible Complication of Neuroleptic Administration, J. Dis. Nerv. Sys., 165, pp. 263–268, 1977.