Frequency and presentation of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a state psychiatric hospital.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a dangerous complication of antipsychotic drugs, has recently been recognized to occur more commonly than previously thought. However, the frequency of this syndrome has been assessed primarily in academic centers, and these reports may not adequately reflect its frequency in other settings. In a 2-year retrospective assessment of 551 neuroleptic-treated patients in a state psychiatric hospital, the authors diagnosed neuroleptic malignant syndrome in 5 cases (0.9%) using previously defined operational criteria. This observation suggests that the syndrome is probably as common in state facilities as in other institutions.