Mental handicap, psychosis and thyrotoxicosis: a demonstration of the usefulness of an integrated community and hospital service.

A case is described of a moderately mentally handicapped woman referred to the local community mental handicap team with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder--manic phase. There was a possible association between her manic state and hyperthyroidism. Assessment and management were complicated by the development of neuroleptic-induced catatonia. The desirability of access to a local general psychiatric unit is discussed.