Explaining suspected autoimmune encephalitis to parents — CASC communication station

Station brief

Format. Communication station, approximately 7–10 minutes after reading time. You are the psychiatry registrar. Neurology is involved; you meet both parents. [1]

Candidate instructions. Explain why the team suspects a possible autoimmune brain inflammation that can look like psychosis, why lumbar puncture and further tests are needed, what immunotherapy means in plain language, why pelvic imaging may be required, and the limited role of antipsychotics. Respond to anger without defensiveness. Avoid inventing legal section numbers. Check understanding and agree next steps. [2][3]