To investigate the clinical presentation, auxiliary examination, treatment, and prognosis of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. Methods: The clinical data of 8 patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Five patients experienced a prodrome. All patients developed rapidly progressive psychiatric symptoms or cognitive impairment, and these were the initial symptom for 4 patients. Additional clinical manifestations included speech disorders, epileptic seizures, movement disorders, decreased level of consciousness, and autonomic nerve dysfunction. All patients were diagnosed by the presence of NMDAR antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid; 3 patients presented with abnormal lesions in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) located in areas including the cerebral cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, and brain stem. Abnormal electroencephalograms showing diffuse slow waves or focal epileptic discharge were found in 6 patients. All patients received first-line immunotherapy, and a delayed diagnosis in 1 patient resulted in poor response to treatment and recurrence. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of anti-NMDAR encephalitis are complex and varied but have distinctive characteristics. For young patients with unexplained mental/behavioral abnormalities or cognitive impairment, timely screening for anti-NMDAR antibodies is necessary, as early treatment leads to a good outcome.