Depression: Active thyroid affects the mind

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MunichThyroid hormones influence the metabolism, but also the mental stability. People with particularly active thyroid glands are more likely to develop depression. This also applies if the values ​​are still within the normal range - at least for seniors.

Excessive sweating, weight loss, goiter formation - an overactive thyroid is noticeable in many physical signs. But the soul also reacts to the hormonal turbulence: People with an overactive thyroid suffer from concentration disorders, nervousness - and they develop depression more often.

Normal values ​​also affect mood

Researchers working with Marco Medici from the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam have shown for the first time that this is not only the case in the context of pathological values. "Older people with thyroid activity in the upper normal range had a substantially higher risk of developing depression within the next eight years," explains Medici.Apparently, even minor changes in thyroid function would have similar effects on mental health as real hyperfunction.

More than 1,500 volunteers took part in the study, who were on average 70 years old at the start of the study. For the study, the scientists measured the amount of the hormone TSH in the blood of the test subjects, which stimulates the production of thyroid hormones. Depending on the respective TSH level, they divided the test subjects into three groups. In addition, the participants answered a questionnaire that provided information about possible depressive symptoms.

60 percent higher risk of depression

During the study period of eight years, participants from the group with a particularly active thyroid developed depression significantly more often. Their risk was increased by 60 percent compared to the other participants. Since only seniors participated in the study, it is not clear whether younger people also govern so sensitively. But that is not ruled out.

“That shows what a powerful influence thyroid activity has on our emotions and mental health,” says Medici. The results could influence the diagnosis and treatment of depression as well as the therapy of people with thyroid dysfunction. (cf)

Source: M. Medici: Thyroid function within the normal range and the risk of depression: a population-based cohort study, J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Apr; 99: 1213-9. doi: 10.1210 / jc.2013-3589. Epub 2014 Feb 24.

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