Suicide Ideation Due to Iatrogenic Hypercalcemia

Abstract

Introduction: Calcium-alkali syndrome (CAS) mainly consists of hypercalcemia due to ingestion of large amounts of calcium. The occurrence of this syndrome has become frequent due to the increased prescription of calcium carbonate (mainly for osteoporosis prevention); which is a calcium-alkali syndrome risk factor. Symptomatology varies from somatic (nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, bone pain, etc.) to psychiatric symptoms (depression and even suicidal ideation).

Objective: Calcium-alkali syndrome has not yet been described from a psychiatric point of view. Thus, we consider that secondary psychopathology must be described in order to make it a well-known clinical entity in Psychiatry.

Case presentation: A 67-year-old woman with behavioural and emotional disturbances secondary to calcium-alkali syndrome caused by calcium carbonate ingestion. Several complementary tests, an exhaustive differential diagnosis process and several psychopharmacological interventions and adjustments were carried out. Once the aetiology of the condition was identified, the symptoms subsided and the patient recovered ad integrum.

Conclusions: We share the experience of a clinical case of calcium-alkali syndrome and its serious psychopathological consequences that had not been described in the current literature until now.