Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: A Challenge in Psychiatric Settings

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a condition that was only identified relatively recently. It often presents in psychiatric settings, with clinical presentations that may overlap with those of other psychiatric disorders such as psychoses secondary to schizophrenia, substance use, or brief delusional disorder. It often presents in women of child bearing age and has a relatively high mortality rate. The treatment approach for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is considerably different from that used for other psychiatric and neurological conditions. Early recognition, correct diagnosis, and appropriate management of the condition are of vital importance to the prognosis, including reducing mortality rate, admissions to intensive care units, recurrence, complications of the disease and in some cases, irreversible hippocampal damage. We present a case that highlights the typical presentation of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a young woman and discuss management and outcome.