Talk:Myxedema

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Myxedema can occur in hypothyroid and post-thyroidectomy cases (see article). Prescription of thyroid hormone can prevent deterioration, however in severe cases mental problems presenting as psychosis, often misdiagnosed as textbook schizophrenia can occur.

In the diet, the amino acid tyrosine is used in the healthy thyroid gland in the manufacture of thyroxine for use in the human body.

Tyrosine is also used in the manufacture of the neurotransmittter dopamine, produced in attraction to a new mate (Dr. H.E. Fisher, "Why We Love") and in pursuit of a goal or solving a mystery. Lack of success in the above stimulates us to produce more dopamine in order to push us to try harder in our achievements. Overload of dopamine has been identified in schizophrenia cases post drug abuse where dopamine receptors in the brain have been desensitised or damaged (Dr. D. Grandy, OHSU). Tyrosine also is used in the manufacture of adrenalin and noradrenalin, our 'fight or flight' hormones (P. Holford, The Optimum Nutrition Bible/Optimum Nutrition For The Mind)

Faced with particular external stimuli, dopamine, adrenalin and noradrenalin are produced. It is possible that in a patient with myxedema, an inactive or under-functioning thyroid, or post-surgical thyroidectomy, the absence of a healthy thyroid gland means that excess tyrosine is available for uptake in the body to produce these chemicals to levels that outweigh the receptors and are detrimental to the body, brain and mental health, leading to psychotic hallucinations and possible adrenal exhaustion also.

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid because the body derives what it needs from essential amino acids in the diet, converting it from phenylalanine. I have found in the last year that by limiting researched sources of pure tyrosine, especially by eliminating cheese and meat from my diet and only consuming poultry or fish in small quantities four times a week, eating a healthy diet by making up protein elsewhere with vegetable sources, I have stopped experiencing severe psychotic episodes and hallucinatory/automatic thoughts have also disappeared, which only began occurring post-thyroidectomy. Limiting caffeine has also helped reduce my adrenal responses.

More research is needed in this area as to how absence of an endocrine function in the body affects other organs and functions, particularly where a redundant nutrient may cause overload or exhaustion leading to biologically-caused mental illness.

(c) Lisa Scullard, ITEC Therapist Scullard.L 19:24, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

Hypothyroidism is correct.

If you read the initial article fully it describes Myxedema/myxoedema as a hypothyroid (underactive) condition. This condition can and has occurred following surgery to REMOVE a hyperactive thyroid, where a reversal into hypothyroid status has resulted. Thanks to the Angry Pharmacist for confirming this. Scullard L. 81.179.93.45 (talk) 17:11, 21 November 2007 (UTC)