The Implications of Brain Tumors on Aggressive Behavior and Suicidality: A Review

Author(s)

Ashleigh Lupton, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Huda Abu-Suwa, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Glen C. Bolton, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Charles J. Golden, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Aggression and Violent Behavior

ISSN

1359-1789

Publication Date

9-2020

Abstract

The medical side effects of brain tumors have been studied rather extensively for the development of accurate diagnosis and effective treatments; however, the psychological implications of the various tumor types are vastly understudied. There has been mixed literature surrounding the impacts of tumors on personality changes. Some research, primarily case studies and few quantitative studies, have suggested that brain tumors in the frontal lobe, limbic system, and cerebellum are most associated with personality changes related to aggression. This aggression has been noted to be directed outwards towards others, as well as inward in the form of suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths by suicide. Furthermore, research has indicated that some of the indicated methods of treatment for brain tumors are associated with side effects that further perpetuate the behavior changes, particularly in terms of aggression. Unfortunately, to date, there is a dearth of research into identifying the psychiatric profiles of different brain tumors.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2020.101416

Volume

54

NSUWorks Citation

Lupton, A., Abu-Suwa, H., Bolton, G. C., Golden, C. J. (2020). The Implications of Brain Tumors on Aggressive Behavior and Suicidality: A Review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 54.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/1911