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Autoantibodies and Psychosis.
Eric Kelleher1, Helen Barry2, David R Cotter2
1Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. eric.kelleher@ucc.ie.
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences
|July 12, 2019
Summary
Autoantibodies targeting neuroreceptors can cause psychosis and neurological symptoms. Immunotherapy responsiveness suggests these antibodies are key in psychotic disease, highlighting diagnostic importance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Antibody-mediated diseases are increasingly recognized in immune dysfunction and cancer.
- Antibodies binding neuroreceptors can manifest as neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including psychosis.
- Therapeutic responses in some patients suggest autoimmune mechanisms in psychotic disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review autoantibodies implicated in psychotic symptoms.
- To discuss neuronal surface antibodies, including N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies.
- To highlight the diagnostic significance of antibody-mediated disease in psychosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of autoantibodies and neuronal surface targets.
- Description of receptor structure and function.
- Analysis of clinical and psychiatric presentations associated with autoantibodies.
Main Results:
- Specific autoantibodies, such as those against the NMDA receptor, are linked to psychosis.
- A subset of patients with psychosis exhibit antibody-mediated neurological and psychiatric features.
- Understanding receptor-antibody interactions is crucial for diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Autoantibodies targeting neuronal surface receptors are relevant in a subgroup of patients with psychotic symptoms.
- Early consideration of antibody-mediated disease is vital, especially in first-episode psychosis.
- This research underscores the role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of certain psychotic disorders.
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