[Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and acute life-threatening catatonia--two contrasting disease entities?].

They are rare but dangerous complications in the course of acute psychotic diseases. A differential diagnose between these units, based on clinical symptoms, is impossible. Moreover the literature of the last years reveals, that the Malignant Neuroleptic Syndrome and Lethal Catatonia are identical complications in functional psychoses. This is also supported by the evidence of therapeutical consequences. In each case neuroleptics appear generally inadequate, and the interruption of neuroleptic medication is necessary, otherwise they would aggravate the disorder. An efficient supplementary treatment is the ECT.