Someone asked about hypothyroidism and depression. Reuter's Health has a large number of good descriptions of all sorts of medical and mental disorders. Here is an excerpt from a large article titled, "What is Hypothyroidism?"
Jeff ---------------------- http://www.reutershealth.com/wellconnected/doc38.html Symptomatic Hypothyroidism Early Symptoms: Many people attribute the early symptoms of hypothyroidism to stress or aging, including feeling chronically tired and overly sensitive to cold. In one study, 30% of people with hypothyroidism developed headaches within one to two months of the onset of the thyroid disorder. Those with a history of migraines were at higher risk for this symptom. The headaches were mild but continuous and on both sides of the head. Muscle and joint aches often develop. Weight gain is common even though appetite diminishes. Constipation can be a problem. Premenopausal women may experience heavy periods or, in rare cases, a milky discharge from the breasts. A history of miscarriage may be a sign of impending hypothyroidism. Studies suggest that even if thyroid levels are normal, women who have a history of miscarriages often have antithyroid antibodies during early pregnancy and are at risk for developing autoimmune thyroiditis over time. Later Symptoms. As free thyroxine levels fall over the following months, other symptoms develop: Mental activity, including concentration and memory, may become slightly impaired, particularly in the elderly. Depression develops. Some experts believe that even mild thyroid failure may increase susceptibility to major depression. Hypothyroidism affects muscles. Weakness and pain may occur. Muscle cramps are common. In some cases it causes carpal tunnel syndrome or symptoms similar to gout or arthritis. In some cases the arms and legs may feel numb. Some people experience hearing loss. The voice may become husky. Obstructive sleep apnea is common, in which tissues in the upper throat collapse at intervals during sleep, thereby blocking the passage of air. If untreated, the classic physical changes characteristic of myxedema can develop: a round puffy face with a sleepy appearance, dry, rough skin, and loss of hair.... Depression. Depression is common in hypothyroidism and can be severe. Some psychiatrists suspect that even subclinical hypothyroidism may contribute to depression. The two disorders may have some common physiological basis. In one study, both triiodothyronine (T3) and L-tryptophan (a chemical important in depression) appeared to be taken up by red blood cells using the same carrier. Interesting implications of the study are that alterations in one substance may affect the other. Adding thyroid hormones to antidepressants, in fact, hastens a depressed patient's recovery, even in some patients who have not been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism should be considered as a possible cause of any chronic depression, particularly in older women. -- Jeffry P. Ricker, Ph.D. Office Phone: (480) 423-6213 9000 E. Chaparral Rd. FAX Number: (480) 423-6298 Psychology Department [EMAIL PROTECTED] Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZ 85256-2626 Listowner: Psychologists Educating Students to Think Skeptically (PESTS) http://www.sc.maricopa.edu/sbscience/pests/index.html --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
