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Brain injury is a major cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world and in Europe there is an estimated incidence of 235 brain injury inpatients per 100,000 population. Over the years, the medical care of brain injuries has developed with a resultant fall in mortality. However, with this fall in death rates the proportions of people with complications, especially the neuro-behavioural effects of brain injury, has risen. Of the complications, psychiatric disorders have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life and rehabilitation prognosis and so are an important consideration from both a care delivery and public health perspective. This paper analyses current literature, demonstrating a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders amongst this patient group. It also demonstrates the significant impact they have on patients, carers and families through an insightful case series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]