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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
antidepressants and 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.
antidepressants and hypothyroidism
by Lars__0, Apr 24, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Lars on April 24, 1999 at 06:12:40
I have OCD and have been taking Zoloft for 3 years.
Recently some of my OCD traits have resurfaced,
specifically depression. My doctor thinks it might be
hypothyroidism... what is the connection (if any) between
antidepressants and hypothyroidism?
Posted by HFHS.MD.DE on April 29, 1999 at 16:18:13
Dear Lars;
Hypothryoidism is a common disorder which affects women more than men. There is no definite connection between antidepressants and hypothyroidism. However, hypothyroidism my present with symptoms that can be mistaken for depression: fatigue, poor memory, somnolence, depressed mood,etc. Usually, once the hypothyroidism is treated, these symptoms diminish. Some patients, however, continue to be depressed despite successful treatment of their thyroid problem and in this case, antidepressants are prescribed.
You mentioned that you have been taking Zoloft for OCD for 3 years and that some of the traits have resurfaced. You might want to review your treatment with your physician i.e.; does your dose of Zoloft need to be adjusted?do you need psychotherapy in addition to the medication? Behavior therapy is effective in 60-75% of patients with OCD and includes techniques such as flooding, desentisization, thought stopping, imploson therapy, and aversive conditioning. It requires considerable commitment by the patient. If interested, you could call Henry Ford Behavioral Services at (248)689-7476 for evaluation. This information is for general purposes only and is not intended to substitute for a medical consultation.
OCD/Zoloft
