Primary Hyperparathyroidism in a Schizophrenic Woman*

This is a case presentation of a 52 year old woman with a past history of schizophrenia who develops an acute psychosis. The point is emphasized that a deterioration in mental state in a patient with schizophrenia should not too readily be attributed to the functional’ psychosis. Psychiatric patients may present with organic mental disorders requiring medical or surgical intervention. Thus the psychiatrist must always be alert to the possibility of new pathology and examine carefully for signs of organic disturbances. This case turned out to be one of acute hyperparathyroidism cured by surgical removal of an adenoma of the parathyroid gland.