Graves' Thyrotoxicosis Presenting as Schizophreniform Psychosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Int J Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Dec 25;15(1):e41977. doi: 10.5812/ijem.41977. eCollection 2017 Jan.

Abstract

Psychosis, as the first presentation of thyrotoxicosis, is extremely rare. Consequently, it is often misdiagnosed as a primary psychiatric disorder, especially in developing countries with poor healthcare facilities. Owing to the high level of illiteracy and lack of knowledge, it is fairly common to ascribe many illnesses to spiritual attacks in Nigeria and other African countries, especially when the disease is rarely seen or is associated with psychiatric manifestations. Herein, we present the case of a teenage female Nigerian and review the literature on this subject.

Keywords: Case report; Graves’ Disease; Hyperthyroidism; Nigeria; Psychosis; Thyrotoxicosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports