Recent surgery has caused depression, psychosis, and compulsive behaviors

[mprafferty]

My mother in law recently had partial Parathyroid surgery about 3 months ago.  Prior to this she had complete Thyroid removal and has been on Synthroid and Xanax for her anxiety issues.  Now, she has gone into a completely different mindframe, which we feel is a result of the surgery and not another mental illness.  She's had xrays, blood work, and even a pych eval.  The doctors claim that she's suffering from Depression with Psychosis, or Psychosis with Depression.  The difficult part with all of this is that she only sleeps 3 hours/day, and won't stop walking.  It's become somethign that we can't control.  She'll walk to exhaustion, rest, then get up and start walking...all of this with her head down.  Any idea of what may be causing this?  They've already treated her with Cymbalta and two other antidepressants, all within a very short time frame.  We don't believe this is AD, but its taking a toll on all of us and we can't figure it out.  Thanks.

[Ted A Grossbart, Ph.D.]

Jaquta's comment is right on target.

tg

[Jaquta]

It's possible that the stress from surgery, etc has brought underlying issues to the surface.  Which in itself creates a lot of anxiety.

Lack of sleep, especially long-term, can dramatically affect a persons behavior.

The walking could be a side-effect of the medication.  I think the term is akathesia (I'm not sure about the spelling though).  
I had this when sectioned for severe depression and given prozac.  It can leave a person feeling very agitated and is relieved somewhat by walking and moving.  I was walking 20+ km everyday after discharge.

I haven't seen this expert respond in a while.  You may like to post your question on the mental health forum.  I'm sure the expert there will be able to offer an opinion.

J