title: [The Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening medication-induced syndrome. Core symptoms are hyperthermia, diaphoresis, rigidity, impaired consciousness, and creatinine kinase elevation. Additionally, patients show vegetative dysregulation including blood pressure fluctuations. The purpose of this paper is to summarize current findings, to facilitate diagnostics and to distinguish NMS from other syndromes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a systematic review of the literature. We included scientific publications, books and guidelines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this review we summarize the current diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, pathogenesis and therapeutic options.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical symptoms of NMS are heterogeneous and it is difficult to diagnose early states. Early interventions are important to ensure fast and complete recovery. Since NMS is a rare condition, publications on NMS-therapy are based on single-case reports, meta-analysis or expert opinions. Core symptoms should be considered: Exposure to dopamine-antagonists, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, rigidity, mental status alteration, creatinine kinase elevation, and vegetative dysregulation.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatrie, Universität Lübeck.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nagel
authors.affiliation: Psychiatrie, Asklepios Klinik, Hamburg.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Freisberg
authors.affiliation: Psychiatrie, Universität Lübeck.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Junghanns
authors.affiliation: Neurophysiologie, Universität Hamburg.
authors.forename: C K E
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Moll
authors.affiliation: Psychiatrie, Universität Lübeck.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Willenborg
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009459:Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents