QUESTION: Our neighbor, a widow for some years now, seemed to be going through a terrible change in mental status.
She became irritable and unfriendly, and even began to have changes in her face.
When her daughter came down to visit and finally got her to her doctor, she was treated, and cured of her mental illness by thyroid medication.
We have never heard of such a thing, and would like to know what happened, though we are reluctant to question her.
Can you provide us with some answers?
ANSWER: I would be happy to, as I have enough information from your letter to provide me with the answers you wish.
The woman was suffering from hypothyroidism, also known as "myxedema".
There are a number of possible underlying causes, but essentially the thyroid gland no longer functions properly and enough thyroid hormone is not produced.
Slowly, and usually very gradually, physical changes can be observed, a dull facial expression, puffiness around the eyes, and drooping eyelids.
The skin becomes coarse, dry, scaly and thick, and the scalp hair becomes sparse and dry.
The patients become forgetful, and in some, as in your neighbor, there are changes in their personality, and their intellect becomes diminished.
When the changes are severe enough they resemble a true psychosis.
Such a condition has been named "myxedema madness" by some clinicians.
The sad part is that this condition is frequently misdiagnosed, especially in older folks, but no amount of psychotherapy or tranquilizers or antidepressants can help.
And without proper treatment the condition persists, leading to complete physical and mental deterioration.
There are a number of laboratory tests that can swiftly pinpoint the problem, and a number of thyroid medications exist that can replace the amounts needed by the body.
The good news is that with these proper medications, the situation can be reversed rapidly, and these patients may make a complete recovery, enabling them to return home and live happy and productive lives.
I see no reason not to discuss this with your neighbor; I would guess she might enjoy the company, and would delight in telling you the tale of her medical experiences.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
