Various autoantibodies against neuronal surface antigens and related encephalitis/encephalopathy have been identified since the 2000s. Currently, about 20 types of autoantibodies, including anti-NMDAR and anti-LGI-1 antibodies, have been found to be involved in various pathological conditions such as encephalitis/encephalopathy and demyelinating diseases. Some important symptoms and syndromes that psychiatrists should identify include psychiatric and behavioral disorders, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, and sleep disorders. Early diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis/encephalopathy can be expected to have a good prognosis especially if it is followed by prompt administration of immunotherapy. Provided that the psychiatrists diagnosed autoimmune encephalitis/encephalopathy correctly, the patients are transferred to neurology department. Because autoimmune encephalitis/encephalopathy frequently presents with EEG abnormalities, EEG testing should be performed to confirm the presence of slow waves and epileptic discharge. As one of the salient and initial symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis/encephalopathy is psychiatric, which is difficult to differentiate from a first-episode psychiatric disorder, psychiatrists may receive consultations from family doctors. Suspected cases should be promptly referred to appropriate medical care, with as much testing as possible performed at each facility.
 Authors' abstract