Unmasking bipolarity in recurrent depressive disorder following herpes simplex virus triggered n‐methyl‐D‐aspartate encephalitis

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveHerpes simplex virus (HSV) infection triggered n‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) encephalitis can lead to varied neuropsychiatric manifestations, including movement disorders and manic symptoms. HSV is known to affect the same brain regions as in secondary mania.MethodWe present a 35‐year‐old female diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder (RDD) who developed NMDA encephalitis triggered by HSV infection.ResultHSV‐triggered NMDA encephalitis led to a manic switch in a woman with RDD on antidepressants, along with the new onset of dyskinetic movements.ConclusionA neurological insult predisposed our patient to the variable effects of antidepressant drugs.