The prevention and treatment of heatstroke in psychiatric patients.

Heatstroke is a serious medical condition that affects people in all climates. There is some preliminary evidence that psychiatric patients and those on psychotropic drugs are particularly susceptible. The author discusses the signs and symptoms of heatstroke, the factors that lead to it, and the appropriate preventive and treatment measures that should be taken. He concludes that heatstroke in psychiatric patients is totally preventable, but that should heatstroke occur, quick recognition and treatment can prevent death.