Hypothyroidism and Psychiatric Disorder as well as Neuropathy

[latvia123]

Hi,
I have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia for years, since I was 20.
I also have a hypothyroid condition.
A friend of mine who has been treating many such cases advised me that
the hypothyroidism may mimic the psychosis symptoms. He told me that
he has been successfully treating such disorders with steroids or IVIG therapy.
He also asked me if i had Neuropathy (numbness in my feet) and I do.
What would you say about my situation. I have called various health facilities here in NYC as well as many endocrinologists and found no therapies like this administered anywhere here. Do you think that such therapy would be good for me?

[danie17075rm]

I am working on my master's in health psychology.  My interest lies in mental health and endocrine disorders, specifically hypothyroidism.  Your thyroid certainly CAN induce mental disorders.  There is some debate as to which came first the chicken or the egg however.  Most doctors will believe you had the psychological condition prior to the thyroid problem, and the thyroid problem just aggravated it.  I am not convinced of this due to my own experience and research on the topic.  Regardless, the two diseases can go hand in hand.  I do know if your thyroid is out of whack, you will suffer greatly with you mental disorders.  If you post your thyroid lab results and normal lab ranges, the others here (Like Barb) can help you get to the optimal range for your body.  What is optimal for each one of us is not always what the doctors consider "normal".  If you can find a knowledgeable doctor that can help you get to your "sweet" spot, I suggest you stay there for a few months and then reevaluate your mental condition.  If takes your body a while to stabilize.  Even when you reach an optimal level, you need to just let it rest there and let homeostasis happen.  You might find your schizophrenia  drastically improving.  If not though, it can just be a disease all on itself with nothing to do with the thyroid.

Also, I believe that IF your schizophrenia is caused by hypothyroidism, the therapy your friend recommends would not make sense.  The key is to get your hypothyroidism treated optimally if this is the case.  Treating your hypothyroidism (optimally) will take away the schizophrenia if this really is directly induced by your thyroid problem.  I don't mean just taking meds and having a normal lab reading however.  It sometimes takes a while for every individual to find their own "normal".  Good Luck.

Good Luck.

[CCJoy]

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease attacking the thyroid which may explain the use of IVig by your friend. TPO antibodies test will show this. Research is being done on neuropsychiatric diseases caused by autoimmune disease using IVig as treatment. For more on other treatment for Sz. Also check out thrivementalhealth.ca for Sean Millers story. Good luck on your journey and keep looking. Blessings to you.

[Barb135]

The only thing I agree with is that hypothyroidism can cause symptoms that may mimic psychiatric issues.  

Hypothyroidism should only be treated with thyroid replacement hormones, NOT steroids......

Neuropathy can be caused by a lot of things...... one major cause is vitamin B12 deficiency.  

You need proper blood tests to determine the cause of your problems.

For thyroid, you need to get tested for a minimum of TSH , Free T3 and Free T4; along with that you need to get your vitamin B12 levels tested.  

I have both hypothyroidism and pernicious anemia (b12 deficiency)...... I would never let anyone give me steroids for either condition, because I believe that would be contraindicated...... you have to treat the underlying issues.......

I suggest that you don't let your friend treat you for anything, because he may very well do a great deal of harm.......