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Autoimmune Encephalitis Mimics Mental Illness
20 Jan
Summary
- Rare autoimmune brain diseases can present as psychiatric conditions.
- Nora Scott was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder for four years.
- National guidelines for identifying autoimmune encephalitis were released in 2024.
A rare group of autoimmune diseases affecting the brain is prompting psychiatrists to re-evaluate diagnoses. Autoimmune encephalitis, though uncommon, frequently presents with psychiatric symptoms, leading to potential misdiagnosis as mental illnesses.
Nora Scott of High River, Alberta, experienced this firsthand. Initially presenting with sleep difficulties and obsessive cleaning in 2017, her symptoms escalated to lavish spending and out-of-character behaviors. She was admitted to a psychiatric ward and diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
It took another four years and a second hospitalization in November 2021 for Scott to be diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. This autoimmune condition targets the brain, mimicking psychiatric disorders. In Scott's case, confusion, disorientation, and memory loss were key indicators that led a newer psychiatrist to suspect encephalitis.
Dr. Jadah Johnson's persistence in advocating for neurology consultation and testing ultimately confirmed the diagnosis. This experience, along with similar cases, inspired Dr. Chris Hahn to spearhead the development of national guidelines for identifying autoimmune encephalitis, released in 2024.
While rare, such misdiagnoses can be devastating. However, experts emphasize avoiding a dichotomy between autoimmune encephalitis and mental illness, as both are treatable and manageable, allowing individuals to lead meaningful lives with appropriate care.
