[Malignant neuroleptic syndrome. Literature review and case report]

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome, first described by Delay and Deniker in 1968, is a rare but severe complication of neuroleptic treatment. According to the literature the syndrome particularly affects young men undergoing rapidly intensified neuroleptic treatment ("rapid neuroleptization"). The diagnosis is based on the triad of hyperthermia, extrapyramidal signs, and autonomic dysfunction, once infectious disease has been ruled out. The clinical features, course and therapy of the syndrome are described on the basis of a case report.