The use of diagnostic criteria to diagnose and treat serotonin syndrome

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the complexities surrounding the diagnosis of serotonin syndrome (SS), through the description of a real-life patient presentation. The management was initiated by a trainee advanced clinical practitioner with the support of a medical registrar. Following the event, six academic databases were searched, none of which yielded any relevant results specific to this case. Therefore, diagnostic criteria have been explored. Applying criteria to this case has demonstrated that the diagnosis of SS was unlikely, yet the treatment given was effective and the patient survived without the need for invasive management.