Case study. Risperidone-Induced neuroleptic malignant syndrome in an adolescent

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal complication of neuroleptic therapy, characterized by fever, rigidity, mental status changes, and autonomic instability. Although NMS was previously associated with the use of high-potency neuroleptics, cases have begun to emerge with atypical neuroleptics. This article presents a risperidone-induced case in the youngest patient to date, raising issues concerning our perceptions, the safety of newer neuroleptics, and treatment of NMS.