[Primary brain tumors in psychiatry].

Abstract

At the University Psychiatric Clinic in Basle, 14 primary brain tumours were diagnosed in a patient population of 12,530 in the course of 10 years. The rate of primary brain tumours in hospitalized psychiatric patients is thus one in 1,000. Primary brain tumours occurred 20 times more frequently in psychiatric patients than in a normal population, in whom the rate is one in 20,000. The classic brain tumour triad frequently occurs late and is found in less than 50% of patients. In 50 to 60 percent, brain tumour is associated with mental changes, mainly confusional states and psychoorganic syndrome. There is no typical pathopsychology of brain tumours, and that is why the possibility must always be ruled out. On the basis of these remarks, concrete recommendations are made for daily practice.