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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Depression or hypothyroidism?
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Depression or hypothyroidism?
by Emily__0__0, Aug 06, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Emily on August 06, 1999 at 19:29:23
After the birth of my daughter I suffered from what I would call moderate to severe post partum depression. I did not want to take care of her and feared I would cause physical harm to her. She is now 3 years old and in the last 3 years I have developed many undiagnosed symtoms which include: No sex drive, low energy levels. constipation, fatigue, depression(off and on), dry skin, and extreme forgetfulness. I have been treated with hormone creams with no sucess. I am being tested for hypothyroidism now, but I think I have been tested by another doctor and it was negative.
If it is not hypothyroidism, what would be another possible explanation for the symptoms?
Posted by HFHS M.D.-SW on August 11, 1999 at 10:36:12
Dear Emily,
Many of the symptoms you mentioned are suggestive of Depression. Sleep disturbance, appetite changes, lack of motivation, sense of hopelessness, low energy, poor concentration, irritability, low sex drive and in some cases suicidal thoughts. Hypothyroidism may give a similar picture to depression. It is important to rule out a thyroid disorder.
Considering your history and symptoms it is important to see a psychiatrist. Therapy and medication may be benefical to alleviate your symptoms.
Sincerely,
HFHS-M.D.-SW
* Keywords: Depression, Hypothyroidism
