Open J Psychiatry Allied Sci. 2020;11:43-5. doi: 10.5958/2394-2061.2020.00007.5. Epub 2019 Nov 28.
Psychosis associated with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis.
Bhaumik U, Singh H.
Abstract
Aim: Anti-N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is commonly seen in women with various neuropsychiatric symptoms. Here we report a case of psychosis associated with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Case description: A 22-year-old woman was admitted with acute onset fever, generalised tonic-clonic seizures, reduced speech output, and delusion of persecution for one week. She was found positive for anti-NMDA receptor antibodies and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Her psychotic symptoms improved with antipsychotics, immuno-modulators, and steroids within two months. Conclusion: A possibility of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis should be kept in mind in young women presenting with psychotic symptoms. It is ideal to liaise with neurologist to screen all such cases with suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis visiting a psychiatry clinic.
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