Thyroid dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders in a hospital based sample.

[helvella]

This abstract seems to be of particular relevance to those with psychiatric issues (and families and friends). Both the simple acceptance that the connection between mood disorders and thyroid is well-recognized and the strong association between schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and thyroid being reported.

At the very least, every single psychiatric patient should be screened for thyroid issues (though quite what that screening would comprise, how often to be repeated and how the results should interpreted could still be argued at length).

Indian J Med Res. 2013 Dec;138(6):888-93.

Thyroid dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders in a hospital based sample.

Radhakrishnan R, Calvin S, Singh JK, Thomas B, Srinivasan K.

Abstract

Background & objectives: Abnormalities in thyroid hormonal status is common in major psychiatric disorders. Although the relevance of thyroid dysfunction to bipolar disorder is well-recognized, yet the association between thyroid dysfunction and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders is under-emphasized. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the rates of abnormal thyroid hormonal status in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and mood disorders in an inpatient tertiary care general hospital psychiatry unit.

Methods: This was a retrospective hospital-based study on 468 inpatient samples. Data on serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 (triiodothyroxine), T4 (L-thyroxine), free unbound fractions of T3 and T4 (FT3 and FT4) were obtained from records of 343 patients, 18 patients were anti-TPO (anti thyroid peroxidase antibody) positive. The rates of abnormal thyroid hormonal status were compared using the chi square test.

Results: Abnormal thyroid hormonal status in general, and presence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, in particular were seen in 29.3, 25.17 and 4.08 per cent patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, respectively. These were comparable to the rates in patients with mood disorders (23.24, 21.62 and 1.62%, respectively). Eleven of the 18 patients with antiTPO positivity had a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder. There were no gender differences.

Interpretation & conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction was present in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder as well as mood disorders. Autoimmune thyroid disease was more commonly seen in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders compared to mood disorders. The findings reiterate the relevance of screening patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders for abnormal thyroid hormonal status.

PMID:

24521631

[PubMed - in process]

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/245...

Rod

Picture is simply part of the cover of a book. Can't help wondering how often the word 'thyroid' appears within its covers?

[LouiseRoberts]

Thanks Rod xx

[Piedo]

Thanks Rod a very interesting article.

My sister is a doctor ,her friend has been suffering severe depression for months and has now been admitted to hospital.she had her thyroid removed years ago and takes thyroxine.I mentioned to my sister about thyroid and mental disorder and she dismissed me.I also told her about using T3 to help depression,her answer ' we don't prescribe it in Sheffield.I feel helpless in trying to help her friend.

I just wish the medical profession would be more open minded especially as we seem to have a big rise in thyroid conditions in the country.

Piedo

[lisabax in reply to Piedo]

Hi Piedo, a copy of that article and any other references you can find might help to sway your sister. Docs like scholarly articles and research based 'evidence'. You never know if you can sway one doc, the. The word will spread, LB

[helvella in reply to Piedo]

Is Sheffield in a different universe where medicines work differently? It is difficult to think of a rational response to such an extraordinary statement. Yet, it is only one of many we have seen over the years.

We seem to have a big rise in thyroid conditions in the entire known universe.

T3 can have as much effect on individuals as Dr Jekyll's potion - though hopefully transforming to a better person/state! I have witnessed the impact of a single 5mcg dose. It can be as dramatic as the story Robert Louis Stevenson wrote.

Rod

[Marz in reply to helvella]

Tony Weetman is in Sheffield - that could explain things !! I too know of someone with schizophrenia - her Mum has a thyroid issue. Doesn't know if she has Hashi's or what her readings are. Am in the process of preparing relevant bits and pieces to send her - so can now add this. Thanks Rod....

[helvella in reply to Marz]

Ironic he was one of the authors of the daily rhythms of thyroid hormones paper I posted ages ago and seems to have been of much use and interest.

Rod

[Marz in reply to helvella]

I think he was the guy who won the award from Norway that was so unpopular as he said unpleasant things about thyroid sufferers - report on Mary Shomon site I believe. I don't recall the paper you posted about the rhythms....will have a scout around....and when I see it I probably will remember !!

[helvella in reply to Marz]

I remember the Norway fiasco.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Marz in reply to helvella]

...now I remember Thanks Rod.

[Marz in reply to helvella]

thyroid.about.com/od/newsco...

[shaws in reply to helvella]

It's o.k. plotting rhythms of thyroid hormones and doing research papers but it's a pity when they disregard the patients' clinical symptoms and send them off with a flea in their ear with disastrous consequences.

[helvella in reply to shaws]

That it is.

Some people are better suited to one role rather than another. Pity that does not dictate how they actually are deployed.

[mickstability]

I know I've re-posted this link before, but as it's relevant : evolutionarypsychiatry.blog...

[scatterbrain]

Must be a Yorkshire thing,they "don't prescribe it" in Leeds either according to Leeds General Infirmary psychiatric department!

[Coastwalker]

Thanks too rod, very interesting read.

[Hidden]

Psychiatrists presribe T3 but not mine.

He told me go to your GP, I said but they won't prescribe it but I ve been told psychiatrist and endo's can consider it.

I took papers in reflecting this. He dismissed me and told me doesn't have time to read them and anyway it is only non throid patients that are considered.

Considering I have treatment resistant depression is a crime especially as it is documented these patients achieve the greatest benefit !!!!!!

Worse is he was willing to have me re subjected to anti depressants which I had tried with severe side effects before. One of them Fluoxetine had me assessed by the Crisis team. BUT no T3 it is scandalous