Thethyroidis abutterfly-shaped endocrine glandlocated in the neck.
The thyroid produces hormones such asthyroxine(T4).
Thyroid disease can cause, or be triggered by, disruption in thyroid hormone production and regulation.
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An underactive thyroid is calledhypothyroidism, while an overactive thyroid is calledhyperthyroidism.
As many as 60% of people with thyroid disease are not aware that they have it.
Read on to learn more about thyroid disease, its symptoms, and how it affects mood.
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidismare both associated with psychiatric disturbances that can mimic mental illness.
Psychological symptoms, however, may be the reason a person with hypothyroidism seeks medical advice.
People who are taking lithiumor any long-term psychiatric medicationsshould have their thyroids checked.
Thyroid hormone treatments are usually taken orally in tablet, gel capsule, or liquid forms.
Your healthcare provider will monitor your hormone levels to double-check your dosage is correct and effective.
One study showed depression occurring in almost 50% of cases of hypothyroidism.
Another study found that 60% of people with hypothyroidism reporteddepressive symptomsand 63% reported anxiety symptoms.
Other Signs of Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease can also have physical symptoms.
Their symptoms may be mistaken for depression ordementia.
Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious health problems, including:
What Are Some Thyroid Conditions?
Thyroid problems include:
Summary
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that producesthyroid hormones.
Treating the underlyingthyroid problemsusually improves psychological and cognitive symptoms.
They can help you find the best treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
People withhypothyroidismcan experience emotional distress such as depression, anxiety, and anger.
Bipolar disorders are less common.
Psychotic symptoms can occur in people with untreated hypothyroidism.
This is called myxedema psychosis (a secondary psychotic disorder resulting from other medical conditions).
It is typically treated with antipsychotics andthyroid hormone supplementation.
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MedlinePlus.Hypothyroidism.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
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American Thyroid Association.Thyroid hormone treatment.
healthdirect.Irritability and feeling on edge.
Kato T, ed.PLoS ONE.2013;8(8):e73057.
