Symptom 6. Depression and Mood Changes: The Emotional Toll
The association between parathyroid adenoma and mood changes is an area that’s gaining increasing recognition. The disruption of calcium levels can impact the function of neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers, leading to emotional changes like depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
Depression is a mood disorder that involves persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It affects how individuals feel, think, and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working. In the case of parathyroid adenoma, the depression experienced is often resistant to standard treatment strategies, including psychotherapy and antidepressants.
Additionally, individuals with parathyroid adenoma may experience unexplained mood swings. They may feel emotionally unstable and have rapid, often extreme changes in mood. One moment they may feel cheerful, and the next moment, they might feel very sad, angry, or irritable. (6)
