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Hypercalcemia & Depression

Hypercalcemia, or too-high concentrations of calcium in the blood, can lead to a number of physical and mental problems. Depression and other mood disorders are common hypercalcemia symptoms. Learning the symptoms of a calcium imbalance can help sufferers detect the problem and get the treatment that they require.

  1. Significance

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, only about 1 percent of the population suffers from hypercalcemia. Since the 1960s, technological improvements have made measuring blood calcium much easier, enabling patients to receive treatment. Proper detection of the condition can allow hypercalcemics to overcome depression and return to a normal life. Most patients suffering from hypercalcemia have no symptoms as long as they receive treatment.

    Causes

    • Hyperparathyroidism or malignancy in the thyroid cause most cases of hypercalcemia. More rarely, this disease may also come from failure of the adrenal gland, overconsumption of calcium-containing foods, kidney failure, some tumors, and an excess of vitamin D in the body. Women and older people are more likely to get the disease.

    Frequency

    • Not all patients with hypercalcemia develop depression. According to the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, out of 55 patients with chronic hypercalcemia, 16 percent suffered from anxiety and 16 percent suffered from depression. Patients may also suffer from feelings of lethargy and have trouble concentrating.

    Treatment

    • The procedure for treating hypercalcemia and resulting depression varies according to the cause. In serious cases of hyperparathyroidism, surgery to remove the abnormal parathyroid glands is required. In milder cases, it may be appropriate to adjust the diet and avoid vitamin D and calcium supplements, or to treat only the depression. Hypercalcemia cases resulting from cancer often have poor prognoses because of the underlying disease.

    Considerations

    • Few cases of hypercalcemia can be prevented, but early detection may help reduce mood symptoms and long-term damage. People with a family history of hypercalcemia or hyperparathyroidism should have their blood calcium level checked regularly. Women over 50 should also receive routine blood tests. Patients can avoid hypercalcemia from oversupplementation by asking their doctor before choosing a supplement.

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