Case-studies reflecting experiences of the three most effective therapeutic measures in the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) are compared. The most rapid recovery rates have been found after intravenous treatment with dantrolene and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). NMS-patients may be at risk for cardio-cascular complications during ECT. As a consequence dantrolene appears to be the drug of choice in case of an imminent hyperpyrexia. As bromocriptine has been effective in at least fifty percent of the patients this drug can be used in the less severe cases and if an adequate treatment with dantrolene is insufficiently effective.

A detailed clinical description of the course of the NMS based on data concerning the temperature and autonomic symptoms, like hypertension and tachycardia, will enhance the quality and the comparability of case-studies. ECT may be useful for treating the psychosis after a successful treatment of the NMS.