The mnemonic Bones, Stones, Moans, Psych overtones refers to which disorder?

The mnemonic Bones, Stones, Moans, Psych overtones refers to which disorder?

• A. Hyperparathyroidism
• B. Hypoparathyroidism
• C. Hyperthyroidism
• D. Addison's disease

Answer: (A)

The mnemonic Bones, Stones, Moans, Psych overtones highlights the effects of excess parathyroid hormone causing hypercalcemia. More PTH activity drives bone resorption, leading to bone pain and fragility; it also increases calcium excretion in the kidneys, forming stones; elevated calcium affects the GI tract, causing abdominal discomfort, constipation, and other “groans”; and it can alter mental status, giving “psych overtones.” Together, these features point to hyperparathyroidism as the disorder. The other conditions don’t produce this characteristic cluster of calcium-related symptoms—hypoparathyroidism causes low calcium with tetany, Addison’s disease centers on adrenal insufficiency symptoms, and hyperthyroidism mainly alters metabolism rather than this specific calcium constellation.

The mnemonic Bones, Stones, Moans, Psych overtones highlights the effects of excess parathyroid hormone causing hypercalcemia. More PTH activity drives bone resorption, leading to bone pain and fragility; it also increases calcium excretion in the kidneys, forming stones; elevated calcium affects the GI tract, causing abdominal discomfort, constipation, and other “groans”; and it can alter mental status, giving “psych overtones.” Together, these features point to hyperparathyroidism as the disorder. The other conditions don’t produce this characteristic cluster of calcium-related symptoms—hypoparathyroidism causes low calcium with tetany, Addison’s disease centers on adrenal insufficiency symptoms, and hyperthyroidism mainly alters metabolism rather than this specific calcium constellation.