Psychosis Resulting in Suicide in a Patient With Primary Hyperparathyroidism

A case is reported of a patient presenting to the psychiatric unit of our hospital with symptoms of depression & found to have an organic psychosis. On routine SMA-12, elevated serum calcium was detected on admission leading to the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. The surgical removal of a parathyroid adenoma was followed by a rapid return of biochemical abnormalities to normal ranges. In spite of appropriate treatment, the psychosis was unaltered, & culminated in suicide. 7 ref.