Autoimmune Brain Disorders: Beyond the Basics

September 19, 2019

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry is holding its 66thAnnual Meeting, October 14-19 in Chicago, IL.

On Wednesday, October 16, the focus will be on Autoimmune Brain Disorders. Autoimmune brain disorders are a spectrum of illnesses characterized by inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS). Child and adolescent psychiatrists must become familiar with how to differentiate the neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with autoimmune encephalitis and other inflammatory or autoimmune brain disorders from primary psychiatric conditions.

Information is presented on diagnostic categories that include multiple sclerosis, lupus cerebritis, Neurosarcoidosis, Neuro-Bechet disease, Sjogren’s encephalitis, CNS vasculitis, and others. Participants learn about the wide range of symptoms that can indicate an autoimmune brain disorder, including personality changes, psychosis, seizures, movement disorders, cognitive decline, memory deficits, and autonomic instability.

A review is made of laboratories, diagnostic procedures, and imaging that may be utilized in day-to-day patient care. Clinical case vignettes provide the foundation to give attendees specialty training in recognition of autoimmune brain disorders and the formulation of a differential diagnosis.

It possible to attend a single day and this meeting is open to non-psychiatrists as well. Speakers include Dr. Heather Van Mater and Dr. GenaLynne Mooneyham and Dr. Elizabeth Wells. For more information and how to register, click here.