Hyperthyroidism link?

Here is my question.  My mother has been suffering, on and off, with symptoms of generalized anxiety as well as panic attacks, for 17 years.  Her symptoms have generally come in the form of `episodes', so to speak, where she will experience greatly increased anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, and panic attacks for a period ranging from a few days to about a month, after which she is alright.  The first of these `episodes' occurred 18 months after the birth of her second and final child.  As she comes closer to menopause, her symptoms are increasing in frequency - they seem to last longer and happen more often.  Lately I have been reading about thyroid dysfunction, and I am wondering whether my mother's difficulties may be related to a problem with her thyroid.  My mother's problems with anxiety/depression have never been satisfactorily explained, and do not seem to be strongly linked to outside stressors.  My question is this:  Can thyroid dysfunction (ie hyperthyroidism) be episodic?  I am confused as to how this problem seems to come and go with no definable source thus far.  She does not remember having been tested for thyroid dysfunction.  Thank you!

[HFHS MD-JM]

Christine,

         Thyroid dysfunction has been associated with anxiety and depression but primary endogenous(ie no stressor/biologic in orgin) is probable more common.  This issue has been discussed previously in this forum.  I recommend that you discuss this issue further with your mothers physician.  Generally thyroid problems are not episodic like depression and anxiety can be.  Good luck. Hope this was helpful.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords:  Thyroid dysfunction, anxiety, depression