Psychiatric Symptoms Due to Brain Metastases

Abstract

Brain metastases account for nearly 170,000 new cases annually in the United States. Although the majority of patients present with neurological symptoms, a minority will develop psychiatric symptoms. Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment are common, with potentially serious consequences. Appropriate intervention may improve the patient’s prognosis and quality of life; thus, early and accurate diagnosis is crucial. This article provides an overview of the diagnosis and management of patients with psychiatric symptoms due to brain metastases.