Depressive Episode Induced by Frontal Tumor Culminating in Suicidal Ideation

Depressive conditions are common psychiatric disorders with formidable and debilitating consequences. The association of brain lesions with depressive symptoms has been already reported. We describe a case of a patient, in whom a frontal lobe tumor was initially presented with a depressive episode. By discussing the neuropathological framework of depression we present an account of how localized brain lesions could give rise to depressive disorders. A failure in conventional antidepressant treatment might increase the risk of life-threatening consequences such as suicidal ideation. We therefore emphasize the importance of neuroimaging examinations in evaluation of depressive conditions even in the absence of focal neurological signs (German J Psychiatry 2010; 13 (3): 150–153).