[Subacute excitation caused by probable herpetic encephalitis. Favorable effects of lithium]

Herpetic encephalitis in a 16 year old adolescent of average intelligence up to then and having had no psychiatric disorders. 3 years later, the subacte hypomanic excitation like behaviour disorder, distrubed alimentary and sexual behaviour rendered maintenance in the family environment and professional activity difficult; and this in spite of the absence of membory disorders, and the preservation of verbal and pragmatagnosic possibilities. Use of lithium led to the progressive sedation of the behaviour disorders and enabled return to work of the patient in a protected environment. This favorable action of lithium in a state of excitation of organic origin seems to be situated in the present stream of research which is attempting to enlarge the indications for it beyond manic depressive psychosis.