Psychiatric Manifestation of Anti-NMDA Receptor Autoimmune Encephalitis

Abstract

Several studies have linked the presence of anti-NMDA receptor autoimmune encephalitis to the development of new-onset psychiatric symptoms. As psychiatric symptoms may predominate at the onset or over the course of the disease, the diagnosis is frequently delayed. Patient prognosis depends on the speed of disease detection, identification, and management. The case presented in this report shows a patient with psychiatric manifestation discovered to have anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Late diagnosis of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis caused her condition to deteriorate. Therefore, we underline the importance of consid ering anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis as part of the differential diagnosis in any case presenting with first-time emotional lability or any other psychiatric finding.