Case studies in neuropsychiatry: post-traumatic psychiatric dysfunction--diagnosis and treatment

A patient is described who had clear-cut personality and behavioral changes due to brain trauma. The organic basis of the psychiatric dysfunction was overlooked in diagnosis and treatment planning for a period of six years during which the patient experienced four psychiatric hospitalizations, had numerous encounters with police, and spent a six-month period in jail. The reasons for this neglect or organic etiologic factors are explored and discussed.