Eight patients with intracranial cysts presenting with primary
psychiatric diagnoses were studied. The cysts were visible on computed
tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and they produced
neurologic, electroencephalographic (EEG), and neuropsychologic
abnormalities. Descriptions of psychiatric manifestations associated with
intracranial cysts are rare, and their potential neuropsychiatric
significance has been minimized. This study demonstrates that intracranial
cysts can cause neuropsychiatric symptoms, that surgical intervention may
resolve the psychiatric manifestations in selected cases, and, in cases not
warranting surgery, that psychopharmacological therapy to treat the
behavioral manifestations is indicated. These cases mandate consideration
of intracranial cysts in the diagnostic and therapeutic formulation of
atypical neuropsychiatric disorders.Abstract Teaser