Diencephalic tumours presenting as psychosis

Abstract

Background:Diencephalic tumours are usually presented with the sign and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, endocrinological changes and visual disturbances. Psychiatric manifestation of such rare tumours is not well known.Objective:To investigate the challenges and benefits of psychiatric evaluation on the diagnosis of diencephalic tumours and to emphasize the presence of psychosis as an initial phenomenon.Methods and results:Two cases who presented with the characteristic symptoms of psychosis and diagnosed diencephalic tumour are reported. A detailed radiological examination confirmed such diagnosis in both cases and surgical treatment was done.Conclusion:First, all patients who presented with a history of unexplained behaviour change must be evaluated by psychiatrists to exclude an organic pathology. Secondly, until the diagnosis of diencephalic tumour is confirmed, the surgical management must be performed.