NCJ Number
183948
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 728-730
Date Published
May 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines the relationship between hyperparathyroidism and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Abstract
Primary hyperparathyroidism is defined as a generalized disorder of calcium phosphate and bone metabolism that results from the increased secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Excessive concentration of the circulating hormone can lead to hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia, with great variation in manifestations. Excessive PTH results in increased resorption of calcium from the skeletal system and increased absorption of calcium by the kidneys and gastrointestinal system. It eventually leads to a variety of clinical presentations including kidney stones, peptic ulcers, mental changes and pathological bone fractures. Psychiatric symptoms include depression, concentration and memory problems and, sometimes, psychosis. The article presents several case studies of individuals with hyperparathyroidism and psychotic symptomatology. One of the individuals eventually became violent, was judged insane and was hospitalized in a secure facility. Hyperparathyroidism had affected him in many ways, both physically and mentally, and likely predisposed him to act out in a criminal manner. The majority of persons who suffer from hyperparathyroidism with psychiatric symptoms typically have affective syndromes and/or cognitive disturbance and most symptoms are reversed in a majority, but not all patients by parathyroid surgery. References