Description
The Serotonin Syndrome is a relatively common, though often unrecognised, condition that can be caused by any drug acting at serotoninergic receptors. It varies in severity across a spectrum from mild to severe in which fatalities have been recorded. An increase in incidence is expected in the future as a consequence of our prescribing practices, particularly our preference for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as first line treatment for many psychiatric conditions. Although the pathophysiology of serotonin syndrome is better understood now than when first described in 1991 treatment of the condition remains inadequate.
This article reviews the condition from its early reports and describes the diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology and current treatment options.
