Managing severe behavioral symptoms of a patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis: case report and findings in current literature

Objective: Psychiatric symptoms emerge in the early stages of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis, and patients often seek treatment in psychiatric departments before visiting any other general medical services. Numerous articles about anti-NMDAR encephalitis have been published in the scientific community worldwide, but few emphasize the role of psychiatry in symptom management.Case description: We describe the case of a patient with anti- -NMDAR encephalitis seen in our service and discuss the management of behavioral symptoms based on current scientific literature. High doses of atypical antipsychotics and benzodiazepines were used to control agitation, and trazodone was administered to treat insomnia.Comments: Consultation-liaison psychiatry may help the healthcare team adjust the management of neuropsychiatric complications that might affect inpatients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Monteiro,Vanina Lima, Barreto,Felipe José Nascimento, Rocha,Paulo Marcos Brasil, Prado,Paulo Henrique Teixeira do, Garcia,Frederico Duarte, Correa,Humberto, Neves,Maila Castro Lourenço das
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Associação de Psiquiatria do Rio Grande do Sul 2015
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2237-60892015000100047
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