Red Flags for Autoimmune Encephalitis with Psychiatric Symptoms

Autoimmune encephalitis presenting with predominant psychiatric symptoms is termed autoimmune psychosis. Identifying clinical features indicative of autoimmune psychosis-referred to as red flags-facilitates early diagnosis. These red flags encompass an infectious prodrome, rapid progression, tumors (currently or recently diagnosed), coexisting autoimmune disorders, severe headache, fluctuating catatonia, involuntary movements, focal neurologic deficits, reduced consciousness, cognitive impairment, autonomic dysfunction, speech impairment, seizures, hyponatremia (unrelated to medication side effects), and malignant syndromes triggered by antipsychotic medications.