View source for Myxedematous psychosis

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'''Myxedema psychosis''', more colloquially known as '''myxedema madness''', is a relatively uncommon consequence of [[hypothyroidism]], particularly [[Hashimoto's thyroiditis]]. A chronically under-active [[thyroid]] can lead to slowly progressive [[dementia]], [[delirium]], and in extreme cases to [[hallucination]]s, [[coma]], or [[psychosis]], particularly in the elderly.

Treatment is via the standard treatment for hypothyroidism with [[thyroxine]] replacement. 

Oral T<sub>4</sub>, or in especially acute cases [[liothyronine sodium|liothyronine]], a sodium salt of T<sub>3</sub>. [[Hormone]] replacement in these patients usually reverses the psychotic symptoms, but may not help with [[cognition|cognitive]] deficits caused by changes in [[metabolism|metabolic]] activity in the [[Central nervous system|CNS]].

The "myxedema" part of the name simply refers to the pitting [[edema]] common to hypothyroidism.

==References==

Hypothyroidism Presenting as Psychosis: Myxedema Madness Revisited. Heinrich TW, Grahm G. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2003; 5(6): 260-266.
[http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=419396]

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[[Category:Thyroid disease]]

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