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.