A case of paranoid disorder associated with hyperthyroidism.
This paper describes a patient presenting with paranoid symptoms who eventually was diagnosed as having Graves' disease. In this patient, paranoid disorder appeared to occur concurrently with hyperthyroidism in a clear state of consciousness. This case underscores the need to maintain a high index of suspicion of possible medical conditions in psychiatric patients. This is especially the case in the presence of unexplained symptoms and when there is a difficulty communicating with the patient. The importance of carrying out a careful physical examination on admission to a psychiatric unit is emphasized. Another indication for further medical investigation in a patient with psychiatric symptoms is the absence of a psychological explanation for a worsening of the psychiatric symptoms.
Department of Psychiatry, St. Joseph's Health Centre, London, Ontario.
P I
PI
Steinberg
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010259:Paranoid Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010260:Paranoid Personality Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D010348:Patient Care Team; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests