As the U.S. contends with soaring temperatures and record-breaking heat in many areas this summer, the risk of heat stroke and hyperthermia is particularly high, for children, for the elderly, as well as for psychiatric populations, especially users of psychotropic medications. Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature rises to 104°F, and has deleterious effects on the central nervous system (CNS), such as a compromised mental state, dizziness, delirium, confusion, and even seizures and coma. If left untreated, heat stroke can cause potentially fatal damage to several organs such as the brain, kidney, and heart. Psychotropic medications can elicit an unwanted interference with the body´s...
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