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A psychogeriatric assessment program. II. Clinical and laboratory findings
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|November 1, 1975
Summary
Psychogeriatric patients exhibit subtle thyroid function differences but show hyperactivity linked to hyperthyroidism. This suggests an energetic response to mental decline, impacting psychobiologic function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Psychogeriatric patients often present with complex symptoms.
- Thyroid dysfunction can mimic or exacerbate psychiatric conditions in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate thyroid function in psychogeriatric patients.
- To explore the relationship between thyroid function and psychobiologic disturbances.
Main Methods:
- Statistical evaluation of clinical and laboratory data in 80 psychogeriatric patients.
- Factor analysis of 53 variables.
- Comparison with 60 healthy elderly individuals.
Main Results:
- Slight differences in thyroid function between organic and functional psychogeriatric patients.
- Hyperactivity and psychobiologic symptoms in patients correlated with hyperthyroidism/hyperadrenergism.
- Psychogeriatric patients displayed more hyperactivity signs than controls.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid function shows minimal differences between organic and functional psychogeriatric patients.
- Hyperthyroidism/hyperadrenergism, particularly psychobiologic symptoms, may relate to severe psychobiologic dysfunction.
- An energetic (hyperthyroid-sympathicotonic) reaction to mental decline is supported, with associated hormonal and EEG changes.