title: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: a targeted review of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and approaches to psychopharmacologic management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis was formally described in 2007 and includes a range of psychiatric and neurologic symptoms. Most patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis initially present to psychiatrists for diagnosis and treatment. However, there is limited literature summarizing treatment strategies for psychiatric symptoms. In an effort to improve identification and treatment, this review article provides an overview of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, with a focus on psychopharmacologic treatment strategies. Two case reports provide a clinical context for the literature review.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors conducted a PubMed search.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prominent psychiatric symptoms of anti-NMDAR encephalitis include psychosis, agitation, insomnia, and catatonia. Neuroleptics may be helpful for managing psychosis and agitation, but may exacerbate movement abnormalities. Diphenhydramine and benzodiazepines are helpful for agitation and insomnia. In addition, the anticholinergic affinity of diphenhydramine can improve dystonia or rigidity attributable to anti-NMDAR encephalitis, while benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy have been used for catatonia associated with this condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Psychiatrists play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Recognizing the typical clinical progression and closely monitoring for accompanying neurologic symptoms will facilitate diagnosis and timely treatment. Careful selection of psychopharmacological interventions may reduce suffering.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors: Jennifer L
authors: JL
authors: Kruse
authors: Jessica K
authors: JK
authors: Jeffrey
authors: Michael C
authors: MC
authors: Davis
authors: Joanna
authors: J
authors: Dearlove
authors: Waguih W
authors: WW
authors: IsHak
authors: John O
authors: JO
authors: Brooks
mesh_terms: D060426:Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans