Diencephalic tumours presenting as psychosis

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.

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.

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.

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.