Cushing's syndrome presenting as a schizophrenia-like psychotic state.

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric abnormalities, of which depression is the most common, are frequently associated with Cushing's syndrome. The following paper describes a 58-year-old woman in whom a prolonged psychotic state--schizophrenia-like--was the presenting sign of Cushing's syndrome. The psychiatric symptoms disappeared shortly after the cortisol level has been normalized. Due to the variety of symptoms, both organic and psychiatric, which may occur with Cushing's syndrome, a high suspicion index is advisable. Suspect clinical findings should always prompt the appropriate endocrine work-up.