Enduring psychiatric and neuropsychologic sequelae in the post-encephalitis patient

Initial presentations of encephalitis are sometimes misdiagnosed as psychoses due to the predominance of psychiatric symptoms and frequently negative neurological work-ups. It is likely that many of these errors are never discovered. The patient described herein is an exception. Her symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment have now been followed for nearly two years and suggest not only that the initial diagnosis was in error but also that both psychiatric and organic symptoms can endure as sequelae of encephalitis. Questions regarding optimal treatment and reasons for clinical improvement are addressed.