Risk Factors for Hypothermia in Psychiatric Patients

Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature falls below 95 degrees F (35 degrees C). Several conditions which can occur in the psychiatric population increase the risk of hypothermia: nocturnal enuresis, seizure disorder, debilitating physical illness, and mental retardation. The risk of hypothermia is further increased by the use of several classes of medications used to treat psychiatric disorders: antipsychotics, beta-adrenergic antagonists, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives. Air-conditioning is also identified as a risk factor for hypothermia. Hypothermia is posited as a possible link between antipsychotic medication and sudden unexplained death. Suggestions for further investigation are made, and clinical recommendations are offered to reduce the risk of hypothermia in the psychiatric patient population.