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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Hyperthyroidism
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.
Hyperthyroidism
by pete, Mar 21, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Forum,
My question is about hyperthyroidism and it's possible relation to mental disorders. My wife was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in her late teens (she is now 27). She had been on a very light dosage of Thyroxin (I believe that was the name) until 2 years ago. At that time she had to see a different doctor due to her changing jobs and company insurance. That doctor stated her T2 and T3 levels where not 'high enough' to cause concern or justify her being medicated. Around 6-8 months into her being off the medication she and I started to notice extreme mood swings, fatigue, and over all depressed-like state of mind. I also started to notice these 'swings' seems to coincide with the start of her menstrual cycle.
She and I spoke of this and we returned to her doctor who did more blood work. He stated that her levels had increased, but only by a point but still where not high enough for medication. I don't have a copy of that lab report with me, but I remember one of the T's numbers to be 16.9. She visited a endocrinologist who stated the same as her PCP. She and I also explained to the endocrinologist she was often complaining of fatigue and a greater appetite than she once had. As well as the aggressive and sometimes violent mood swings around the beginning of her menstrual cycle. He stated that her mood swings and Thyroid problem where in no way related. Her mood swings where just a side affect to PMS. Needless to say we where both fairly disgusted at this point. Simply because from a logical stand point she realized she was showing signs of the same behavior that she had shown in her late teens.
From a mental health stand point has these circumstances been seen by others? Could there be some form of relation between the two? I have been doing some reading into Hyperthyroidism, and it seems as if it's affect on the mental state of the individual are just now started to be discovered. One source had even hinted at the idea of Hyperthyroidism causing Bipolar or BPD-like symptoms. Any information or advice that can be offered would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Pete
My question is about hyperthyroidism and it's possible relation to mental disorders. My wife was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in her late teens (she is now 27). She had been on a very light dosage of Thyroxin (I believe that was the name) until 2 years ago. At that time she had to see a different doctor due to her changing jobs and company insurance. That doctor stated her T2 and T3 levels where not 'high enough' to cause concern or justify her being medicated. Around 6-8 months into her being off the medication she and I started to notice extreme mood swings, fatigue, and over all depressed-like state of mind. I also started to notice these 'swings' seems to coincide with the start of her menstrual cycle.
She and I spoke of this and we returned to her doctor who did more blood work. He stated that her levels had increased, but only by a point but still where not high enough for medication. I don't have a copy of that lab report with me, but I remember one of the T's numbers to be 16.9. She visited a endocrinologist who stated the same as her PCP. She and I also explained to the endocrinologist she was often complaining of fatigue and a greater appetite than she once had. As well as the aggressive and sometimes violent mood swings around the beginning of her menstrual cycle. He stated that her mood swings and Thyroid problem where in no way related. Her mood swings where just a side affect to PMS. Needless to say we where both fairly disgusted at this point. Simply because from a logical stand point she realized she was showing signs of the same behavior that she had shown in her late teens.
From a mental health stand point has these circumstances been seen by others? Could there be some form of relation between the two? I have been doing some reading into Hyperthyroidism, and it seems as if it's affect on the mental state of the individual are just now started to be discovered. One source had even hinted at the idea of Hyperthyroidism causing Bipolar or BPD-like symptoms. Any information or advice that can be offered would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Pete
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD-JM, Mar 21, 2000 12:00AM
Pete,
Thyroid dysfunction has been associated with anxiety, depression and psychosis. It does not appear that this is your wifes' situation based on her endocrinologists' consultation. It is quite possible that your wife has premenstrual dysphoric disorder based on her mood instability prior to her menstrual period. I suggest that your wife consult with a psychiatrist for further clarification and diagnosis of this problem. Please search this forums archives for more information on thyroid dysfunction and psychiatric symptoms.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: Thyroid dysfunction
Thyroid dysfunction has been associated with anxiety, depression and psychosis. It does not appear that this is your wifes' situation based on her endocrinologists' consultation. It is quite possible that your wife has premenstrual dysphoric disorder based on her mood instability prior to her menstrual period. I suggest that your wife consult with a psychiatrist for further clarification and diagnosis of this problem. Please search this forums archives for more information on thyroid dysfunction and psychiatric symptoms.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: Thyroid dysfunction
