A unique case of myxedema madness with suicidal attempts

Abstract

Hypothyroidism has been associated with mood disorders, sometimes with acute psychosis, hence this report. A 45-year-old married female, working as a daily-wage laborer, was brought with marked irritability, suspiciousness, wandering about, decreased sleep, appetite, and personal care for the past 1½ years. She had attempted suicide three times in the initial 6 months of illness. She had an asthenic body type; dry, hairless skin; hoarse voice; and nonpitting pedal edema. Deep tendon reflexes were delayed. High thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody led to the diagnosis of severe hypothyroidism. Based on her psychiatric evaluation, a diagnosis of organic schizophrenia-like disorder (myxedema madness) was made. She was managed with olanzapine and haloperidol along with thyroxine supplement. The patient improved significantly following thyroxine supplementation and modified electroconvulsive therapy sessions. Herewith, we present this unique case of myxedema madness with suicidal attempts for its uniqueness and rarity.

Keywords

• hypothyroidism
• myxedema madness
• suicidal attempts