A case is reported of a patient presenting to the psychiatric unit of our hospital with symptoms of depression and found to have an organic psychosis.
On routine SMA-12 investigation (12 channel auto analyzer), elevated serum calcium was detected on admission leading to the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The surgical removal of a parathyroid adenoma was followed by a rapid return of biochemical abnormalities to normal ranges. In spite of appropriate psychiatric management and fluctuations in the patient's clinical condition, the organic psychosis was unaltered and culminated in suicide 4 months after admission.
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