Is the Predisposition to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Genetically Transmitted?

A Japanese family consisting of a mother and her two daughters, all experienced NMS on therapeutic or subtherapeutic doses of neuroleptics. The mother and the elder daughter had past histories of severe neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms. The predisposition to this syndrome may be genetically transmitted. We suggest that neuroleptic treatment should be introduced with extreme caution to a patient with a family history of NMS.