Context: Limbic encephalitis comprises a number of subacute encepahlopathies largely of unknown aetiology. Psychiatrists may become involved with patients presenting with this condition because of the often-prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms and lack of positive routine investigations. For example, these conditions are important differential diagnoses in patients with persisting features of a delirium when no other underling cause is found.
Objectives: The authors will discuss the major causes of limbic encephalitis. This includes those linked with anti voltage gated potassium antibodies and paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis. The main features of these conditions will be illustrated with case vignettes and examples of investigation results. Neuropsychiatric differential diagnoses will also be discussed. Current etiological theories and clinicopathological pathways will be raised. An up to date summary of evidence based treatment and symptom control approaches will also be discussed.
Key messages: Limbic encephalitis can mimic neurodegenerative disorders, subacute enceophlaopathies as well as primary psychiatric disorders. They are an important differential diagnoses in “investigation negative” encephalopathies and can augment a psychiatric assessment.
Conclusion: Some understanding of the syndrome Limbic encephalitis can assist the psychiatrist in consultation liaison and neuropsychiatric settings. This is particularly the case when faced with encephalopathic states are labeled as psychiatric diagnoses.
