* Their early dependence needs (their needs for affection, mothering, warmth, etc.) were frustrated, and this led to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem and to the belief that the world is a threatening place.
* They often had dominant, tight-lipped, overcontrolling mothers.
HYPOTHYROIDISM
An underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, is caused by an inadequate production of thyroid hormone. It is most common in middle-aged women.
The emotional symptoms of hypothyroidism include mental sluggishness, nervousness, depression, irritability, impatience, and frequently dislike of everyday activities.
Physical symptoms include a sense of heaviness and lethargy, dry skin, sensitivity to cold, constipation, and thinning hair.
HYPER- AND HYPOPARATHYROIDISM
The parathyroid glands, which are four bean-size glands located on top of the thyroid gland, manufacture hormones that regulate phosphorus and calcium levels in the body. Excess hormone raises the calcium level too high, and psychotic-like behavior can result. Too little hormone lowers the calcium level to the point that a person may behave like an alcoholic. These conditions are comparatively rare.
DIABETES
Diabetes, or hypoinsulism, which at the time of this writing affects as many as 2.5 million Americans, results from underproduction of insulin, which in turn causes an excess of sugar in the blood and urine. Diabetes takes two forms: juvenile onset (or insulin-dependent) and adult onset (or noninsulin-dependent) diabetes. The first type starts in childhood or young adulthood, and is caused by the body's failure to produce enough insulin. Juvenile onset diabetes is usually controlled by means of regular injections of insulin.