The need for neuroimaging in first manifestations of psychiatric symptoms

Brain imaging in psychiatry, especially by first-episode psychiatric symptoms, is unfortunately not a standard procedure in psychiatric clinics and is recommended only if indicated by history or if associated with neurological findings. As a result, the most serious diagnoses can be delayed or missed.

We describe a patient who presented with psychiatric symptoms admitted initially to a psychiatric clinic. Thanks to routine imaging the diagnosis of a brain tumor could be made with prompt transfer to neurosurgery.

Brain imaging should be a mandatory procedure upon admission to a psychiatric clinic also in patients who present with exclusive psychiatric symptoms.