Diagnostic criteria for neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Diagnosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome is based on clinical findings; the diagnostic criteria are not well defined. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for neuroleptic malignant syndrome are:

• major criteria—must have all three
  • exposure to a dopamine antagonist drug
  • severe muscle rigidity
  • hyperthermia
• other criteria—at least two of
  • tachycardia, hypertension, labile blood pressure, sweating
  • raised serum creatine kinase, leucocytosis
  • dysphagia, tremor
  • altered conscious state, mutism, incontinence.