Rhabdomyolysis in retrospect: are psychiatric patients predisposed to this little-known syndrome?

Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially lethal syndrome that follows skeletal muscle injury, both traumatic and nontraumatic. The literature on this syndrome remains sketchy, and rhabdomyolysis may often go unrecognized. The history, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, etiology, and treatment of rhabdomyolysis are reviewed. Factors which predispose psychiatric patients in particular to this syndrome are discussed. Recommendations to reduce morbidity and mortality are offered.