photo: Chris Potter, Creative Commons

This is the second post in a series about depression. In the first post, we mentioned that some medical issues can mimic depression. Today we’ll explore they connection between the thyroid and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that wraps around the trachea and is positioned near the larynx (or voice box) in the throat. This gland produces two hormones: thyroxine, or T4, and triiodothyronine, known as T3. It is responsible for some very important functions in your body, such as regulating body temperature, maintaining proper heartbeat, and ensuring adequate cognitive function.

On the negative side, the thyroid gland has a connection with mental health problems.

Depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric issues can be present in people who have abnormal blood levels of thyroid hormones. This is why one of the first steps in treating psychiatric issues is to get a thorough medical evaluation with blood tests that include thyroid testing. Mood, memory, and cognitive function can improve when thyroid problems are treated correctly.  Many people have never had their thyroid tested. It is important to ask for this on routine medical exams. Because thyroid problems are more common in women than men and increase with age, older women should be especially proactive in requesting these tests.

There are two types of basic thyroid problems: hyperthyroidism and hypthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when there is too much thyroid hormone in your system. It can cause anxiety and heart palpitations, similar to panic attacks.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is caused by not having enough thyroid hormone in your system. This causes fatigue, sluggishness, depression, inability to concentrate, and memory problems.

New research is also exploring and finding mental health links with only minor, or subclinical, thyroid problems.

Subclinical hypothyroidism is a condition that affects about 2% of Americans. Doctors disagree as to whether subclinical hypothyroidism should be treated with medication. Nevertheless, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is being shown to alleviate some of these patients’ psychiatric symptoms and might even prevent future cognitive decline.

If you suffer from some of the symptoms mentioned and have never had your thyroid tested, seek out a qualified physician and request to be tested. You may start with your family practitioner or internist. However, endocrinologists and hormone specialists tend to be the best types of doctor to consult concerning thyroid issues.

Remember that complete healing from depression is a multi-faceted process. Ruling out (or discovering) thyroid issues is an important step in that process.

Stacey Wald, LAPC, RD

Swald @ growcounseling.com