Studies have shown that thyroid hormone levels can also affect behavior, mood, and mental health. For example, hyperthyroidism -- an overactive thyroid -- is associated with symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder, while hypothyroidism -- an underactive thyroid -- can cause symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder.
Low thyroid function may be associated with bipolar depression. Hospitalized patients with bipolar depression and low baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are more likely to switch to mania. Thyroid dysfunction is also associated with poorer treatment response in bipolar disorder.
[5] Such patients can be diagnosed with mood disorders due to hyperthyroidism because the symptoms of depressive and bipolar disorders are the direct physiological effects of hyperthyroidism, according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).
Problems with your Thyroid gland can mimic a number of psychiatric disorders ranging from depression, anxiety and even psychosis. It is thus extremely important that mental health professionals be aware of some important but little known facts.
With such a dramatic swing in symptoms, it is easy to see how Hashimoto's disease could be misdiagnosed as a mental illness like manic depression or bipolar disorder. And it happens much too often.
Bipolar disorder and major depression
The most common misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder is major depressive disorder (MDD). The symptoms of major depression last for at least two weeks and can include: persistent feelings of sadness or low mood. a loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed.
Psychiatric Signs and Symptoms
Many symptoms of psychological dysfunction have been described with hypothyroidism. Those symptoms most commonly related to thyroid deficiency include forgetfulness, fatigue, mental slowness, inattention, and emotional lability.
Hypothyroidism is associated with depression and mania, and hyperthyroidism is linked with dementia and mania. The association between Graves' disease and various mental disorders such as depressive and anxiety disorders is also discussed.
Research suggests that in women, hormones may play a role in the development and severity of bipolar disorder. One study suggests that late-onset bipolar disorder may be associated with menopause.
Manic episodes have been known to occur in patients with hyperthyroidism, but are quite unusual [9]. Occasionally, patients with late-onset mania are detected to have hyperthyroidism, which requires to be treated to achieve full recovery [10].
Bipolar disorder and severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have many similar symptoms. Both are characterized by cycling moods, including severe depression. Because of the overlap in symptoms, severe PMS is often misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder.
There is also some evidence favoring the use of thyroid hormone replacement therapy as an adjunctive treatment to help stabilize mood in patients with more chronic and severe bipolar disorder.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Experts believe there are a number of factors that work together to make a person more likely to develop it. These are thought to be a complex mix of physical, environmental and social factors.
Medical conditions commonly known to cause bipolar mania or hypomania include Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and traumatic brain injuries. In particular, for Cushing's disease, once it is cured or in remission, the hypomania/mania typically will not recur.
Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can make you feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness and irritability.
Numerous neuropsychiatric symptoms of hypothyroidism include depression, apathy, cognitive impairment, psychosis, and affective disorders [54]. The Clinical Society of London's Committee on Myxoedema made the initial connection between primary hypothyroidism and psychosis in 1888 [55].
People who have hypothyroidism and feel depressed often have symptoms like: Increased sadness. Slowed physical movements. Loss of appetite or weight gain.
Psychiatrists commonly order thyroid testing and are often the first to confront abnormal thyroid test results.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when an overactive thyroid produces too many hormones. Symptoms can include panic attacks, anxiety, tension, sleep disturbances, mood swings, a short temper, and impatience.
Thyroid anxiety symptoms
Anxiety symptoms in thyroid disorders may include the following: racing heart. sleeping difficulties. irritability.
To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends blood testing to determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, is causing your symptoms. If the doctor does not find an underlying cause of your symptoms, he or she performs a psychological evaluation.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed mental health issues. Somewhere between 1.4 and 6.4 percent of people worldwide are affected by bipolar disorder. However, it's hard to say which number is more accurate due to the frequency of wrongful diagnosis.