[Child with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) initially presenting with psychiatric symptoms]

We recently evaluated a patient with ADEM after a mycoplasma infection who initially presented with psychiatric symptoms, including hyperkinesis, irritability, and emotional outbursts. Psychiatric symptoms in ADEM are rare and usually suggest some underlying psychiatric or psychogenic disorder. This case illustrates that in children who initially present with psychiatric symptoms, even in the absence of typical neurologic symptoms associated with encephalitis such as disturbance of consciousness or seizures, ADEM should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Recent history of infections or vaccinations should also be considered.