Hyperthyroidism and depression can cause similar symptoms, such as loss of appetite and sleeping difficulties. Many people with hyperthyroidism may also experience changes to their mental health.
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces hormones to regulate various bodily processes, such as body temperature and digestion. Problems with thyroid functioning can cause a wide range of symptoms because it affects many bodily functions. For example, hyperthyroidism refers to when the body produces too many thyroid hormones.
Many symptoms of hyperthyroidism can overlap with symptoms of depression and anxiety. These mental health conditions can cause persistent feelings of sadness or tension. This overlap is because problems with the thyroid and thyroid hormones can lead to changes in mood.
This article will discuss the links between hyperthyroidism and mental health conditions, such as depression.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroxine (T4) hormone. Excess T4 affects energy regulation in the body, which can cause bodily processes to speed up. Conversely, hypothyroidism is when the gland is underactive and produces an insufficient amount of T4.
The T4 hormone influences many bodily processes, meaning that high levels can cause various symptoms, such as:
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- nervousness
- irritability
- anxiety
- sleeping difficulties
- excessive sweating
- rapid heartbeat
- weight loss
Some people may mistake the symptoms of hyperthyroidism for depression. This is because thyroid problems
Researchers are still unclear on the exact cause of depression but note that a number of factors may contribute. These factors can include:
- changes in certain chemicals in the brain
- genetics
- certain personality traits
- environmental factors, such as exposure to negative life events
Hyperthyroidism and depression are both common conditions. For example, depression is the
Additionally, around
As such, the conditions can be comorbid. This term refers to when health conditions occur at the same time as each other. For example, a
Similarly, depression and anxiety are more common among people with hyperthyroidism who were assigned female at birth. A 2019 study also suggests an association between hyperthyroidism and mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
Other research associates Graves’ disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the U.S., with a greater risk of suicide and self-harm.
However, not all studies on the topic produce similar results. For example, a
The link between the two conditions may be due to sharing some biological mechanisms. For example, higher levels of thyroid hormones
However, current studies highlight the need for further research to better understand the relationship between the two conditions.
Hyperthyroidism and depression can both cause a range of symptoms. Many people with depression may experience symptoms that include:
- persistent low mood
- feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- irritability and restlessness
- reduced energy
- difficulty concentrating
- sleep problems
- changes in appetite and weight
- loss of interest or pleasure in activities
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are highly variable depending on the person. However, they can include:
- irritability
- sleep problems
- weight and appetite changes
- frequent bowel movements
- goiters
- muscle weakness and shakes
- trouble regulating temperature
- fast or irregular heartbeat
Several symptoms of hyperthyroidism and depression overlap, including:
- Sleep difficulties: Depression can cause difficulties for people getting to sleep or remaining awake during the day. People with hyperthyroidism may experience problems sleeping due to changes in body temperature or needing to urinate throughout the night.
- Appetite and weight changes: Depression and hyperthyroidism can cause changes to a person’s appetite that may influence weight loss or weight gain.
- Fatigue: Depression and hyperthyroidism can cause fatigue that may make getting out of bed or performing daily activities a challenge.
- Irritability and restlessness: People with either condition may experience fluctuations in mood, which can include feeling irritable and restless.
- Digestive problems: Depression can cause stomach cramps and digestive problems without a clear physical cause. Hyperthyroidism can cause more frequent bowel movements.
Doctors typically diagnose depression by asking about symptoms. There are currently no reliable blood, imaging, or other clinical tests to diagnose depression.
In contrast, doctors
Doctors will also ask about hyperthyroidism symptoms. However, these can vary substantially between people and overlap with many other conditions, including depression.
In some cases, a doctor may mistake hyperthyroidism for depression in older adults. Overlapping symptoms are more common in this demographic, including sleep problems, irritability, and fatigue. Conditions such as
Lab tests are able to distinguish between depression and thyroid conditions.
There are many types of medications for treating hyperthyroidism. For example, beta-blockers can reduce some symptoms of the condition. However, they have no effect on thyroid hormone production. Certain side effects can resemble depression, such as fatigue, sleeping difficulties, and digestive issues.
Antithyroid medications can help treat hyperthyroidism by reducing thyroid hormone production. This can help reduce some symptoms. However, certain thyroid medications may interact with lithium (Lithobid), a treatment option for depression.
Hyperthyroidism results from an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some evidence suggests that the condition may increase the risk of mental health conditions, such as depression. Additionally, several symptoms of depression can also occur with hyperthyroidism, such as fatigue and sleep problems.