Heatstroke in psychiatric patients: two cases and a review.
Two fatal cases of heatstroke in psychiatric patients are described. A literature search revealed published reports of heatstroke involving 51 psychiatric patients, 22 of whom died. The mean age of these patients was 44 years; the majority has schizophrenia. Almost all were male and were taking antipsychotic or other drugs with anticholinergic effects. The implications for prevention, recognition, and treatment are discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006359:Heat Exhaustion / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000009:adverse effects; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D012737:Sex Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010276:Parasympatholytics