Uncommon Organic Psychosis: an Adolescent Case of Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis

Abstract

Psychotic symptoms may present in many neurological and general medical conditions in which, diagnosing is sometimes difficult. We reported a 16-year-old female presenting acute psychotic symptoms and diagnosed with Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (Anti-NMDAR) encephalitis. In this case report, main characteristics of anti-NMDAR encephalitis were highlighted and reviewed. Clinicians, especially psychiatrists, should consider a differential diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in young, female patients with acute onset of psychotic symptoms, disorganized behaviors, decreased level of consciousness and new onset seizures, and remember that laboratory and imaging tests can be negative for a period of time.