Psychiatry – MCQ 7 – A 30 year old man who was recently started on haloperidol

A 30 year old man who was recently started on haloperidol 30 mg/day developed hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, akinesia, mutism, sweating, tachycardia and increased blood pressure. The investigations showed increased WBC count, increased creatinine phophokinase. These is no history of any other drug intake or any signs of
infection. The most likely diagnosis is:
a) Drug overdose
b) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
c) Drug induced Parkinsonism
d) Tardive dyskinesia

Correct answer : b) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome