Patients with thyroid dysfunction often complain that they have mood problems.¹ An association between thyroid dysfunction and mood disorders was described by the physician C. H. Parry as early as 1825.¹

Common symptoms

Some symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are similar to those seen in depression or anxiety. Symptoms that are most commonly related to hypothyroidism include forgetfulness, fatigue, mental slowness, inattention and mood swings, with depression being the predominant mood disorder experienced.² Anxiety, irritability, dysphoria (generalised unhappiness, restlessness, dissatisfaction or frustration), mood swings, and poor concentration are the typical psychiatric symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.¹ Loss of libido may also be associated in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.³

Know the facts

About 60% of people with hyperthyroidism present with anxiety disorders, and 31–69% with depressive disorders.¹ Depression frequently occurs in hypothyroidism too, where 40% of patients are said to suffer from some form ofit.⁴

One to four percent of patients with mood disorders have hypothyroidism,¹ and approximately 50% of patients with persistent depression have subclinical hypothyroidism.² This is why the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association recommend that: “The diagnosis of subclinical or overt hypothyroidism must be considered in every patient with depression.”¹

Treatment of mood disorders

The good news is that, in most patients suffering from thyroid and mood disorders, these issues disappear after successful treatment of their thyroid disease.^4,5 If you have hypothyroidism, then you will probably be given thyroid hormone replacement medication to restore thyroid hormone levels.⁴ If you have hyperthyroidism, then you will be treated with one of the following options: anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy, or removal of the thyroid gland.⁶ Once thyroid hormone levels are in the normal range, most patients find that symptoms of anxiety and depression are resolved.⁴

Summary

• About 60% of people with hyperthyroidism present with anxiety disorders
• 40% of hypothyroid patients may suffer from various degrees of depression
• In most patients suffering from thyroid diseases and mood disorders, these issues disappear after successful treatment of their thyroid disease.