Psychotic depression due to primary hyperparathyroidism

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric symptoms in primary hyperparathyroidism are varied and can be easily missed, particularly in elderly population. It is believed that psychopathology emerges after a prolonged period of subclinical hypercalcaemia. This case highlights the importance of baseline tests when assessing patients presenting with mental health symptoms, and the presence of high serum calcium should prompt psychiatrists to consider testing for levels of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D levels.