Significant efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy on the behavioural symptoms of anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis

Abstract

SummaryThe common features of anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis are neuropsychiatric symptoms that are often challenging, treatment refractory and take years to recover. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in treating these symptoms in the acute phase, including catatonia and psychiatric issues.We describe the case of a man in his 30s with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis characterised by neuropsychiatric features and treatment-refractory impulsivity, who was successfully treated with ECT. This case suggests that ECT use for behavioural symptoms can be associated with a significant response and may contribute to faster recovery from the disease.