Evaluation and Management of Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Clinical Overview for the Practicing Child Psychiatrist

Abstract

Medical conditions that present with psychiatric symptoms are becoming increasingly well-recognized in response to the emergence of the field of neuroimmunology. As the availability of testing for novel antineuronal antibodies has increased, so too has the clinical awareness of this diagnostic spectrum. Psychiatrists may have little exposure to this area of expertise, yet may be called on to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with complex neuropsychiatric syndromes secondary to autoimmune encephalitis. This article summarizes the evaluation and management of patients with autoimmune encephalitis and describes emerging patterns in phenotype recognition.

Keywords: Anti-NMDA; Antineuronal antibodies; Autoimmune brain disorders; Autoimmune encephalitis; Limbic encephalitis.