Dr Pramila Kalra
The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that produces hormones that control your metabolism and many other bodily functions. In addition to physical health, it has a significant effect on mental health. Thyroid disorders can have a variety of mental health symptoms, which may over time mimic or worsen a preexisting condition. This relationship sheds light on the importance of evaluation of the thyroid function in the management of mental disorders.
Thyroid Hormones And The Brain
The essential aspect of an individual brain lifecycle is indeed the thyroid as it plays a crucial role in the normal development as well as functions. Such functions include:
Neurotransmitter regulation: As important neurotransmitters mediating mood, motivation and other cognitive functions including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are controlled by Thyroid hormones. Disorders such as anxiety and depression are closely related to the deficits of neurotransmitters levels.
Growth and differentiation of brain cells: These hormones also promote the growth, maturation and survival of neurons that constitute the brain, and learning, memory and cognitive functions can all get adversely affected by deficiencies of this hormone.
Myelination: This refers to the process of myelin sheath deposition around nerve fibers, which aids in the good transmission of nerve impulses. Abnormalities in the thyroid hormones lead to neurological and cognitive problems, as they affect the process of myelination.
Cerebral blood flow: These hormones also have an impact on cerebral blood flow and as a result, the brain is supplied with adequate oxygen and nutrition. In state of hormonal deficiencies reduced blood flow may increase the risk of mood disorders and dementia.
ALSO READ ON ABP LIVE | What Causes Thyroid Disorders? Know Symptoms, Tests, And Importance Of Early Diagnosis
Thyroid Disorders And Related Deformities Of The Mind
An individual’s degree of mental activity can be directly affected by hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Mental health symptoms most prevalent among those with hypothyroidism:
Depression: Among vulnerable psychological conditions, depression may be considered as the most common effect associated with interaction with people diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The more lower ranking different forms of depression are considered the possibility of worthlessness combined with hopelessness feeling, low level of energy in most cases combined with feeling sad.
Cognitive impairment: One of the consequences of this condition is a low level of concentration, memory impairment, as well as other problems with information processing these phenomena are shortened to the term “brain fog” most usually combined with this medical condition.
Anxiety: Hypothyroidism also leads to anxiety, panic attacks, and generalised anxiety disorder, but such anxiety is not as common as depression.
Apathy and decreased motivation: The patient’s interests and the motivation to pursue those interests may gradually diminish.
Mental health issues seen in persons with hyperthyroidism:
Anxiety and restlessness: It is not uncommon to feel more anxious, restless, and irritable.
Insomnia: Quite a number of people complain about difficulty falling and even remaining asleep.
Mood swings: Movement between fury and depression very easily and quickly may occur.
Panic attacks: They accompany abrupt extreme dread, rapid heart rate and breathlessness, which patients having hyperthyroidism are prone to.
Psychosis: Severe and most infrequent forms of the hyperthyroidism can be associated with psychosis the type of disorder which is characterized by delusions and hallucinations.
ALSO READ ON ABP LIVE | Tips To Deal With Weight Issues If You Are Suffering From Thyroid
Thyroid And Mental Health: What Is The Treatment?
It is important to take thyroid function into account when examining people who have depression, anxiety, or cognitive issues because the symptoms of thyroid diseases often mimic those of other mental health conditions. To screen for thyroid dysfunction, a straightforward blood test measuring TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels is useful.
In order to address the related mental health issues, the underlying thyroid condition must be treated. The usual treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine, which successfully raises thyroid hormone levels and frequently enhances mood and cognitive abilities. Depending on the underlying reason and degree of hyperthyroidism, treatment options may include radioactive iodine therapy, anti-thyroid drugs, or surgery.
Even after receiving treatment for their thyroid disease, some people might still need further mental health assistance, such as counselling or medication. Nonetheless, correcting the thyroid imbalance is frequently an essential first step towards enhancing general mental health.
Dr Pramila Kalra is HoD & Consultant – Department of Endocrinology & Metabolic Disorders, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru.
[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]