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The prevalence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in learning disability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Caryl N Morgan  and
Renarta Rowe
Caryl N Morgan
Affiliation:
Janet Shaw Clinic, Brooklands, Marston Green, Birmingham, B37 7HL, England
Renarta Rowe
Affiliation:
West Midlands Forensic Rotation, England
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Abstract

Objectives: No information has been published on the incidence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in learning disability. However, some studies of individuals who have developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome have suggested that individuals with learning disabilities may be over represented. This study aims to identify the association between learning disability and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Method: A retrospective case-note analysis was performed with psychiatric case notes for clients with learning disability, in two geographical catchment areas. It was recorded whether clients had been exposed to neuroleptics, and whether any neurological symptoms had subsequently developed which could have been suggestive of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Results: It was found that 301 individuals had been exposed to neuroleptics, out of 570 case notes examined. Only one case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome was identified, giving a lifetime prevalence rate of 0.3%.

Conclusion: This study failed to demonstrate a higher than expected prevalence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome in clients with learning disability exposed to neuroleptics.

Keywords

Learning disabilityNeuroleptic malignant syndromeOutpatient
Type
Case reports
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 20 , Issue 3 , September 2003 , pp. 102 - 104
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

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