c.) Mood disturbances
Rationale:
Cushing's syndrome is a metabolic disorder resulting from the chronic and excessive production of cortisol. When Cushing's syndrome develops, the normal function of the glucocorticoids becomes exaggerated and the classic picture of the syndrome emerges. This exaggerated physiological action can cause mood disturbances, including memory loss, poor concentration and cognition, euphoria, and depression. It can also cause persistent
hyperglycemia along with sodium and water retention (hypernatremia), producing edema (hypervolemia; fluid volume excess) and hypertension.
What is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome?
The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is the long-term, high-dose use of the cortisol-like glucocorticoids. These medicines are used to treat other medical conditions, such as asthma link, rheumatoid arthritis link, and lupus link. Glucocorticoids are often injected into a joint to treat pain.
What happens in Cushing's syndrome?
Left untreated, Cushing syndrome can result in exaggerated facial roundness, weight gain around the midsection and upper back, thinning of your arms and legs, easy bruising and stretch marks. Cushing syndrome occurs when your body has too much of the hormone cortisol over time.
What are three symptoms of Cushing's syndrome?
Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome include:.
Weight gain, especially in the upper body..
Rounded face and extra fat on the upper back and above the collarbones..
High blood sugar (diabetes).
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Thin bones (osteoporosis).
Muscle loss and weakness..
Thin, fragile skin that bruises easily..
Which patient would most likely be diagnosed with Cushing's disease?
Although it may occur in children, Cushing syndrome most commonly affects adults between the ages of 25 to 40. It can be caused by prolonged exposure to elevated levels of glucocorticoids produced within the body (endogenous) or introduced from outside the body (exogenous).