Myxedema Madness - Systematic literature review of published case reports

Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2021 Sep-Oct:72:102-116. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.08.005. Epub 2021 Aug 14.

Abstract

Myxedema Madness is a rare but easily treatable cause of psychosis. Since Myxedema Madness was first described the question of a specific psychopathological symptom complex caused by severe hypothyroidism was raised in the literature. The present review of 52 published cases indicates that there are no specific somatic and psychopathological findings to diagnose a myxedema psychosis. It is diagnosed through the measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone and treated by application of L-thyroxine. Due to its excellent prognosis, myxedema madness should always be considered a differential diagnosis in new onset psychosis.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism; Madness; Myxedema; Psychosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism* / complications
  • Hypothyroidism* / diagnosis
  • Myxedema* / complications
  • Myxedema* / etiology
  • Psychotic Disorders* / etiology
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Thyroxine