scholarly journals Characterizing the features and course of psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents with autoimmune encephalitis

Author(s):  
R Rosello ◽  
B Girela-Serrano ◽  
S Gómez ◽  
B Baig ◽  
M Lim ◽  
...  

AbstractAutoimmune encephalitis (AE) can present like a psychiatric disorder. We aimed to illustrate the psychiatric manifestations, course and management of AE in a paediatric cohort. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, investigations and treatment were retrospectively retrieved in 16 patients (mean age 11.31, SD 2.98) with an AE diagnosis at the liaison psychiatry services in two UK tertiary paediatric centres. Psychiatric presentation was characterised by an acute polysymptomatic (predominantly agitation, anger outbursts/aggressiveness, hallucinations, and emotional lability) onset. Antipsychotics produced side effects and significant worsening of symptoms in four cases, and benzodiazepines were commonly used. This psychiatric phenotype should make clinicians suspect the diagnosis of AE and carefully consider use of treatments.

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
J. Maia

Huntington's Disease (HD) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder characterized by motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptomatology, being considered a paradigmatic neuropsychiatric disorder that includes all three components of the "Triadic Syndromes": dyskinesia, dementia and depression.Firstly described in 1872 as an "Hereditary Chorea" by George Huntington only in 1993 was its responsible gene identified. A person who inherits the HD gene will sooner or later develop the disease. the age of onset, early signs and rate of disease progression vary greatly from person to person.Neuropsychiatric symptoms are an integral part of HD and have been considered the earliest markers of the disease, presenting sometimes more than 10 years before a formal diagnosis is done. Patients may experience dysphoria, mood swings, agitation, irritability, hostile outbursts, psychotic symptoms and deep bouts of depression with suicidal ideation. Personality change is reported in 48% of the cases, with the paranoid subtype being described as the most prevalent. the clinical case presented illustrates a case of HD which started with insidious psychiatric symptoms and an important personality change.Despite a wide number of medications being prescribed to help control emotional, movement and behaviour problems, there is still no treatment to stop or reverse the course of the disease. Furthermore, psychiatric manifestations are often amenable to treatment, and relief of these symptoms may provide significant improvement in patient's and caregivers quality of life.A greater awarness of psychiatric manifestations of HD is essential to an earlier diagnosis and an optimized therapeutic approach.


2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (12) ◽  
pp. 6708-6716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryann P. Platt ◽  
Kevin A. Bolding ◽  
Charlotte R. Wayne ◽  
Sarah Chaudhry ◽  
Tyler Cutforth ◽  
...  

Antibodies against neuronal receptors and synaptic proteins are associated with a group of ill-defined central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune diseases termed autoimmune encephalitides (AE), which are characterized by abrupt onset of seizures and/or movement and psychiatric symptoms. Basal ganglia encephalitis (BGE), representing a subset of AE syndromes, is triggered in children by repeated group AStreptococcus(GAS) infections that lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms. We have previously shown that multiple GAS infections of mice induce migration of Th17 lymphocytes from the nose into the brain, causing blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, extravasation of autoantibodies into the CNS, and loss of excitatory synapses within the olfactory bulb (OB). Whether these pathologies induce functional olfactory deficits, and the mechanistic role of Th17 lymphocytes, is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that, whereas loss of excitatory synapses in the OB is transient after multiple GAS infections, functional deficits in odor processing persist. Moreover, mice lacking Th17 lymphocytes have reduced BBB leakage, microglial activation, and antibody infiltration into the CNS, and have their olfactory function partially restored. Th17 lymphocytes are therefore critical for selective CNS entry of autoantibodies, microglial activation, and neural circuit impairment during postinfectious BGE.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Stavrou ◽  
Solomis Solomou ◽  
Anthousa Kythreotou ◽  
Antreas Ioannou ◽  
Eva Lioutas ◽  
...  

Background The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes a wide spectrum of disease severity. Initial manifestations include fever, dry cough, and constitutional symptoms, which may progress to respiratory disease. There may also be neurological and psychiatric manifestations, involving both the central and peripheral nervous system. Methods We performed a literature search of the databases PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science for observational studies reporting neurological, psychiatric, and neuropsychiatric effects of COVID-19. This was followed by a narrative synthesis to summarise the data and discuss neuropsychiatric associations, symptom severity, management, and recovery. Findings The most frequently reported neurological symptoms were ageusia, hyposmia/anosmia, dizziness, headache, and loss of consciousness. Statistically significant relationships were noted between Asian ethnicity and peripheral neuropathy (p=0.0001) and neuro-syndromic symptoms (p=0.001). ITU admission was found to have a statistically significant relationship with male sex (p=0.024). Depression and anxiety were also identified both during and after infection. The most frequent treatments used were intravenous immunoglobulins, followed by antibiotics, antivirals, and hydroxychloroquine; with mean treatment duration of 6 days. Interpretation Various neuropsychiatric symptoms have been associated with COVID-19 infection. More studies are required to further our knowledge in the management of neurological and psychiatric symptoms during and after COVID-19 infection


1996 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 441-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Rodgers ◽  
Roger Bland

Objective: To report the occurrence, type, causes, and management of psychiatric manifestations in multiple sclerosis (MS). Method: Review of recent, relevant literature. Results: Psychiatric illness, especially depression, occurs much more frequently than expected inpatients with MS, is frequently unrecognized or ignored, and is treatable using standard methods, although patients with MS may be unusually sensitive to side effects of tricyclic antidepressants. Conclusions: Research is needed to better define the causes of psychiatric syndromes inpatients with MS. Those treating MS should increase their awareness of and sensitivity to the likelihood of psychiatric disorder in these patients.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S316-S317
Author(s):  
M. Moneglia ◽  
A. Santangelo ◽  
I. Burian ◽  
L. Gragnani ◽  
F. Elisa ◽  
...  

IntroductionAnti-HCV treatments are moving away from interferon-alpha towards DAAs, associated with fewer side effects, better tolerability, and better PROs.AimsTo describe neuropsychiatric symptoms and PROs during DAAs treatment in a group of HCV+ patients.MethodsForty outpatients, scheduled for DAAs treatment, were assessed at enrolment (T0), 4 weeks (T1), at the end of treatment (EOT) and after 12 weeks of follow up (F-UP), by means of MDRS, HAM-D, HAM-A, MRS, Y-BOCS and SF-36. Afterwards the sample was divided into two groups as a function of a positive psychiatric history (19) and compared with each other.ResultsTotal sample mean scores between W0 and F-UP were compared and an improving trend was observed in all administered scales. An SF-36 items analysis showed a statistically significant difference in emotional role functioning between W0 vs EOT and EOT vs F-UP, in change in overall health status between W0 vs EOT and W0 vs F-UP.A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a positive psychiatric history was not associated with an improvement in vitality of 4.3 (minimal clinically important difference). Comparing the two groups, no significant fluctuations in SF-36 scores were founded and major deviations score increases were recorded in patients with a psychiatric history in all scales.ConclusionsOur real world data shows that new regimens do not seem to be associated with psychiatric side effects and conversely a clinical improvement compared to baseline was found, suggesting an immediate gain in PROs over the treatment period, particularly the psychiatric subgroup.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khushminder Chahal ◽  
Tara Endeman ◽  
Sarah Scapinello ◽  
Michal Sapieha

Abstract Background Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder which often presents with neuropsychiatric symptoms. A large proportion of cases are associated with an identifiable tumor, most commonly ovarian teratoma. However, recent literature has also described an overlap of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and demyelinating syndromes. Cases have been reported of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in patients with ADEM, optic neuritis, myelitis and multiple sclerosis. This link is considered rare, however has important clinical implications as treatments and prognosis may differ. Case presentation A 33-year-old female with a history of multiple sclerosis presented with new-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms. After substance-induced psychosis was ruled out, she was admitted to the medical ward for work up of psychosis secondary to multiple sclerosis. However, the consultation-liaison psychiatry service noted atypical symptoms which were concerning for autoimmune encephalitis. Admission to a psychiatric inpatient ward was deferred. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis was diagnosed with CSF analysis demonstrating lymphocytic pleocytosis and anti-NMDAR antibodies. In addition to first-line treatment of encephalitis with steroids, second-line immunotherapies were also implemented given the patient’s underlining demyelinating syndrome. The patient’s neurologic and psychiatric symptoms began to improve. Conclusions There is literature to demonstrate a possible connection between anti-NMDAR encephalitis and demyelinating syndromes. As such, autoimmune encephalitis should be considered in patients with multiple sclerosis presenting with atypical symptoms. Determining the correct diagnosis is crucial to inform the appropriate treatment protocol, and to improve prognosis.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 496-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Gil-Gouveia ◽  
PJ Goadsby

Lidocaine has been used in treatment of patients with refractory headache. Personal observations of neuropsychiatric toxicity in these patients led us to review our cases and the literature systematically for lidocaine side-effects, especially neuropsychiatric symptoms. In our series of 20 patients, side-effects were observed in all, the most frequent being neuropsychiatric (75%) and cardiological (50%). When reviewing published series on intravenous lidocaine use, reports of side-effects range from 0 to 100%, with neuropsychiatric symptoms being reported in 1.8–100%. Thirty-six case reports of lidocaine-induced psychiatric symptoms were also analysed. Psychiatric symptoms of toxicity were similar in most patients, despite their differing ages, pathologies, co-therapies and lidocaine dosages. In conclusion, lidocaine neuropsychiatric toxicity has a well-recognized stereotypical clinical presentation that is probably unrecognized in headache series. As lidocaine represents an emerging alternative therapy in headache, particularly in short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing, clinicians and patients should be aware of the extent of this problem.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fulvio Lauretani ◽  
Giuseppe Bellelli ◽  
Giovanna Pelà ◽  
Simonetta Morganti ◽  
Sara Tagliaferri ◽  
...  

The presentation of common acute diseases in older age is often referred to as “atypical”. Frequently, the symptoms are neither single nor tissue related. In most cases, the onset of symptoms and diseases is the expression of a diminished reserve with a failure of the body system and imbalance of brain function. Delirium is one of the main devastating and prevalent atypical symptoms and could be considered as a geriatric syndrome. It encompasses an array of neuropsychiatric symptoms and represents a disarrangement of the cerebral function in response to one or more stressors. The most recent definition, reported in the DSM-V, depicts delirium as a clear disturbance in attention and awareness. The deficit is to be developed in a relatively short time period (usually hours or days). The attention disorder must be associated with another cognitive impairment in memory, orientation, language, visual-spatial or perception abilities. For the treatment, it is imperative to remove the potential causes of delirium before prescribing drugs. Even a non-pharmacological approach to reducing the precipitating causes should be identified and planned. When we are forced to approach the pharmacological treatment of hyperactive delirium in older persons, we should select highly cost-effective drugs. High attention should be devoted to the correct balance between improvement of psychiatric symptoms and occurrence of side effects. Clinicians should be guided in the correct choice of drugs following cluster symptoms presentation, excluding drugs that could potentially produce complications rather than advantages. In this brief point-of-view, we propose a novel pharmacological flow-chart of treatment in relation to the basic clusters of diseases of an older patient acutely admitted to the hospital and, in particular, we emphasize “What We Should Not Do!”, with the intention of avoiding possible side effects of drugs used.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Vasilevska ◽  
Paul C. Guest ◽  
Hans-Gert Bernstein ◽  
Matthias L. Schroeter ◽  
Christian Geis ◽  
...  

AbstractApproximately 30% of individuals with severe SARS-CoV-2 infections also develop neurological and psychiatric complaints. In rare cases, the occurrence of autoimmune encephalitis has been reported after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this systematic review, we have identified eight SARS-CoV-2-associated cases of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. All had cerebrospinal fluid antibodies against the NMDA receptor and a recent onset of working memory deficits, altered mental status, or psychiatric symptoms, such as confusion, agitation, auditory hallucination, catatonia and speech dysfunction. All patients received high-dose steroid and immunoglobulin therapeutics and conditions improved in each case. These findings suggest that clinical attention should be paid to warning signs of autoimmune encephalitis in severe COVID-19 cases. If characteristic features of autoimmune encephalitis are present, autoantibody diagnostics should be performed and confirmed cases should be treated with immunotherapy to minimize neurological impairments.


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