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  • Dec. 19, 2009

    Thyroid disease: Can it worsen depression?

    By David Mrazek, M.D.

59 comments posted

It's well known that depression symptoms can be caused or worsened by many medical illnesses.

Need more help?
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room
  • Call your physician, health provider or clergy
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
    www.nami.org
    1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
One of these is thyroid disease.

Your thyroid gland is important in controlling metabolism. If it's not functioning properly, it can affect your mood. Your thyroid can be underactive or overactive, as well as normal.

Interestingly, there is a thyroid hormone produced by your brain that travels through your bloodstream to the thyroid gland in your neck. The thyroid gland, in turn, produces other hormones that regulate metabolism.

Your health care provider may check your thyroid with a blood test. Additionally, thyroid hormone is sometimes added to the antidepressant you are currently on to give it a boost.

Some medical conditions preclude the use of oral thyroid hormone. Talk with your health care provider about options as not everyone is a candidate for this.

59 comments posted

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MY01109 Dec. 19, 2009

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