Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and mental retardation: review and analysis of 29 cases.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, an uncommon but potentially lethal complication of antipsychotic medication that has received little notice in the mental retardation literature, was reviewed. An analysis of 29 cases in which the condition appeared in individuals with mental retardation was also provided. Recommendations about reducing morbidity and mortality among members of this population, for whom neuroleptic use is common, were made.