Myxedema Madness – Systematic literature review of published case reports

Myxedema Madness is a rare but easily treatable cause of psychosis. Since Myxedema Madness was first described the question of a specific psychopathological symptom complex caused by severe hypothyroidism was raised in the literature. The present review of 52 published cases indicates that there are no specific somatic and psychopathological findings to diagnose a myxedema psychosis. It is diagnosed through the measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone and treated by application of L-thyroxine. Due to its excellent prognosis, myxedema madness should always be considered a differential diagnosis in new onset psychosis. •Myxedema Madness should be considered as a rare cause of psychosis.•There are no specific psychopathological findings to diagnose Myxedema Madness.•Hypothyroidism can be easily detected by the determination of blood TSH.•Therapy consists of replacement therapy with thyroxine.