Is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) Really a Form of Catatonia?
Although neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is caused by psychotropic drug therapy, particularly antipsychotics, Fink, et al (2001) conceptualize it under the catatonia umbrella. Some of the classic indicators of catatonia include mutism, stupor, negativism, posturing, waxy flexibility, stereotypy, automatic obedience, echophenomena, and mannerisms. Catatonia can be thought of as a syndrome with motor signs that can be identified in many psychiatric disorders. Just as delirium can have many causes, so can catatonia have various etiologies. The catatonia umbrella, according to Fink, includes: • NMS • Malignant catatonia • Delirious mania • Toxic serotonin syndrome • Periodic catatonia These syndromes all share acute onset, the same signs, and respond to the same interventions. Defining and Treating NMSWithin 2 weeks of the administration of typical or atypical antipsychotic drugs, approximately 0.5% to 1% of patients develop NMS, especially if doses have been increased rapidly. The ad
