A Case Report of Ovarian Teratoma Causing Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia

Objective: Ovarian teratoma has been frequently associated with Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in recent years since the discovery by Dalmao in year 2007. It is postulated that the ovarian teratoma containing nervous tissue express NMDAR subunits that react with patient’s antibodies would worsen patients’ underlying psychosis and impact on treatment response. Method: We reported a case of a 37-year-old lady diagnosed with Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) who had poor response to treatment despite multiple trials of antipsychotics, and electroconvulsive therapy. Results: Patient achieved remission following the excision of an ovarian teratoma and had been maintaining well with minimal psychotropic intervention. Conclusion: This case suggests on how ovarian teratoma could affect treatment response in Schizophrenia. Diagnostic reassessment is an important first step in the management of TRS.