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Review
. 2024 Dec 8;16(12):e75315.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.75315. eCollection 2024 Dec.

The Impact of Brain Tumors on Emotional and Behavioral Functioning

Rayyan R Samman  1 , Jumana H Timraz  1 , Ahmed Mosalem Al-Nakhli  1 , Shyma Haidar  1 , Qalbe Muhammad  1 , Husna Irfan Thalib  1 , Ahmed Hafez Mousa  2   3 , Mohammad Samy Kharoub  4
Affiliations
Review

The Impact of Brain Tumors on Emotional and Behavioral Functioning

Rayyan R Samman et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

While the physical manifestations of brain tumors are well-documented, their impact on the emotional and psychological landscape of patients is of equal importance. Patients frequently experience a range of challenges from depression, apathy, and increased aggression to personality changes. The complexity of these changes and their effects on emotional functioning are shaped by tumor characteristics, including location, growth rate, and the corresponding hormonal imbalances. These challenges may ripple outward, affecting not only the patients themselves but also their caregivers. This review aims to examine the diverse emotional experiences associated with various brain tumor types and locations, through understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these changes. The impact of psychosocial factors on emotional distress and coping strategies is also explored, focusing on the critical role of social support and resilience. The need for integrated care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of brain tumors is essential for improving the quality of life (QoL) for patients and their families. The close relationship between emotional and cognitive difficulties is analyzed, stressing how these challenges can mutually reinforce each other, creating a convoluted and challenging situation for brain tumor patients. By understanding and addressing these issues, healthcare providers can better support patients and improve their overall QoL. This review seeks to consolidate the current understanding of this complicated relationship, drawing from an array of studies, reviews, and meta-analyses.

Keywords: behavioural; behavioural functioning; brain tumour; emotional wellness; neurosurgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Comparison of Behavioural Assessments in Brain Tumour Patients
Image credits: Qalbe Muhammad; tool used: Microsoft PowerPoint
Figure 2
Figure 2. Cognitive Impairment by Lesion Location
Image Credits: Qalbe Muhammad; tool used: Microsoft PowerPoint
Figure 3
Figure 3. Emotion Recognition in Low-Grade Glioma Patients vs Healthy Controls
LGG: Low-Grade Glioma; HC: Healthy Controls; Image Credits: Qalbe Muhammad; tool used: Microsoft PowerPoint
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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