Depression Linked With Hyperparathyroidism
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Other.
Depression and Its Link to Hyperparathyroidism
Summary:
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age or status. Research scientist Marlene Belfort experienced severe depression, which she described as "psychic hell," with symptoms including an inability to eat or sleep. The most frightening aspect was the psychosis that accompanied her depression. Her journey led to the discovery of a possible link between depression and hyperparathyroidism.
Article Body:
Depression does not discriminate. It can touch anyone, regardless of age or background. This was true for research scientist Marlene Belfort, who shared her struggle with depression and unearthed a potential link to hyperparathyroidism, as detailed in a New York Times article.
At the age of 46, the same age her father took his own life, Belfort began to feel anxious and depressed. Despite having a supportive family and a fulfilling career, she turned to a psychiatrist, who diagnosed her with dysthymia, often referred to as burnout. Without prescribing medication, the psychiatrist suggested psychotherapy to address her suppressed feelings related to her father's suicide.
In science, as in therapy, problems are analyzed from multiple angles?"by observing, hypothesizing, discarding false theories, and forming conclusions. Belfort embraced this method, leading to a four-year stretch of therapy that seemed beneficial. However, her depression returned more intensely, prompting her to try antidepressants. Despite her previous reluctance to take medication, she began a regimen of various combinations and doses.
Belfort described this period as a "psychic hell," unable to eat or sleep. During this time, an email from a Nobel Prize-winning colleague questioned her contributions to their collaborative work. Her irrational response led her to doubt her career and believe her work was fraudulent. The psychosis accompanying her depression was terrifying; she mistook her colleague’s intentions, who had actually nominated her to a prestigious scientific academy. Her paranoia grew, worsening her depression, and eventually resulted in her hospitalization.
In the psychiatric hospital, Belfort was deprived of any potentially harmful items, yet received nurturing care. She underwent electroconvulsive therapy, which helped her recover from her paralyzing despair. Psychopharmacology and talk therapy prevented further hospitalizations. Although she contemplated suicide, memories of her father's death and her own will to live kept her going.
The turning point came when her psychiatrist noted the unusual onset of major depression in her midlife and ordered a blood workup. The test results revealed hyperparathyroidism, a condition that elevates blood calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Her psychiatrist suggested a potential link to her depression, urging her to investigate further.
Upon reviewing the data, Belfort discovered a significant connection. Four years after her depression led to hospitalization, she underwent surgery to address her parathyroid issue, followed by another surgery two years later. As her calcium and hormone levels normalized, so did her mood. It's been three years since her recovery.
Belfort pondered whether her father had also suffered from hyperparathyroidism and questioned whether physicians will routinely explore physical causes for sudden, unexplained emotional pain.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Depression Linked With Hyperparathyroidism.
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