Catatonia and the neuroleptic malignant syndrome--a single entity?

Separate episodes of both catatonia and the so-called 'neuroleptic malignant syndrome' (NMS) occurred within the same patient. The only evidence for NMS in this case was prior administration of a neuroleptic and the presence of generalised muscular rigidity. It is suggested that it is misleading to view these conditions as separate diagnostic entities and that NMS is probably more correctly incorporated into the catatonic disorders.