In a publication in Cureus, researchers conducted a systematic review to investigate an association between MDD and increased serum parathyroid levels, a primary endocrinological pathology, and to help establish mental wellness in patients suffering from hyperparathyroidism.

The authors wrote, “In this systemic review, we aim to explore the association of diagnosed MDD in patients with hyperparathyroidism. We try to explore related pathophysiology and how parathyroidectomy improves depressive symptoms, giving us the answer we are looking for: Is MDD associated with patients with hyperparathyroidism?”

Using five major databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, PubMed Central [PMC], ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) using three keywords (MDD, depression, and hyperparathyroidism), researchers conducted a thorough literature search. After screening the literature, the researchers included 11 articles (seven observational studies and four case reports) for qualitative synthesis.

The authors noted that the reviewed studies illustrated a correlation between high serum parathyroid level, high serum calcium level, high serum alkaline phosphatase level, low serum phosphorous level, and heightened depressive neurocognitive symptoms.

The authors wrote,“ After a patient with hyperparathyroidism is treated for hypercalcemia or undergoes parathyroidectomy and the serum parathyroid levels are lowered, a decrease in severe depressive symptoms is noted.”

Based on their findings, the authors indicated that their systematic review suggested that MDD is correlated with hyperparathyroidism.

“In the end, we recommend that more studies should be done to check the pathophysiology of increased serum parathyroid levels and MDD neuropsychiatric symptoms. And more randomized, control trials should be conducted to find the treatment effectiveness of depression in patients with hyperparathyroidism, so it can help improve mental health in patients suffering from hyperparathyroidism,” concluded the authors.

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