Related Experiment Videos
[Depression, anti-thyroid antibodies and Hashimoto encephalopathy].
1Institut de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie médicale, CHU Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgique.
L'Encephale
|June 16, 2001
Summary
Hashimoto's encephalopathy, a rare neurological disorder, often presents with psychiatric symptoms like depression. Early steroid treatment is crucial for symptom regression and preventing long-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by subacute diffuse encephalopathy, often with a relapsing course.
- Psychiatric manifestations are infrequently described but can be prominent, leading to diagnostic delays.
Observation:
- The case highlights a patient initially presenting with depression, with relapses occurring despite antidepressant treatment.
- High antithyroid antibody levels are characteristic of HE, irrespective of thyroid status.
Findings:
- HE can present with diverse symptoms including confusion, tremor, dementia, psychotic episodes, and seizures.
- Early diagnosis and steroid treatment are associated with symptom regression and absence of sequelae.
Implications:
- Psychiatrists should consider HE in patients with unexplained psychiatric symptoms, especially when accompanied by neurological signs.
- Systematic psychiatric evaluation alongside clinical and biological findings is essential for timely HE diagnosis and management.