According to the Thyroid Society, a non-profit organization devoted to thyroid research, about 10%-15% of patients with depression have a thyroid hormone deficiency. Conversely, most patients with a thyroid deficiency, or hypothyroidism, show clinical signs of depression and may be treatment-resistant.1,2 In these cases imbalances of thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) may often be clearly detectable. In a subset of patients, however, particularly those with greater treatment-resistance, mood symptoms may be closely linked with levels of triiodothyronine (T3), a more potent thyroid hormone contained in lesser quantities in the body.3,4 Lower levels of T3 have been correlated with shorter time period between relapses of major depression.5

Measurement of thyroid antibodies can also provide important clinical information related to depression risk and treatment prognosis. Women with high levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies have been shown to be more vulnerable to depression.6 A recent German study concluded that "in cases of repeated depressive episodes, especially depression of the elderly and in nonresponders, it seems necessary not only to get lab [testing] for TSH, T3, and T4 but also to assess the autoimmune status of the thyroid gland (autoantibodies)."7

Postpartum thyroiditis is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland that may develop in as many as one out of ten women after giving birth. This condition can trigger symptoms of depression in conjunction with either hyperthyroidism or hypothryroidism. As many as one-third to one-half of women with high levels of thyroid antibodies in the first trimester of pregnancy develop this condition and thus are subsequently at risk for developing post-partum depression.8

The Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment provides a thorough analysis of thyroid secretion and metabolism, including peripheral thyroid conversion and thyroid autoimmunity. By measuring hypersensitive thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free serum thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyroine (fT3), Reverse T3 (rT3), anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG), and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), this test may provide important clinical clues for better treating patients with treatment-resistant depression.

References:
1 The Thyroid Society. Can depression be caused by thyroid disease? Available at: http://the-thyroid-society.org/faq/33.html. Accessed December 28, 2000.

2 Hickie I, Bennett B, Mitchell P, Wilhelm K, Orlay W. Clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism inpatients with chronic and treatment-resistant depression. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 1996;30(2):246-52.

3 Rack SK, Makela EH. Hypothyroidism and depression: a therapeutic challenge. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34(10):1142-5.

4 Jackson IM. The thyroid axis and depression. Thyroid 1998;8(10):951-6.

5 Joffe RT, Marriott M. Thyroid hormone levels and recurrence of major depression. Am J Psychiatry 2000;157:1689-1691.

6 Pop VJ, Maartens LH, Leusink G, van Son MJ, Knottnerus AA, Ward AM, Metcalfe R, Weetman AP. Are atuoimmune thyroid dysfunction and depression related? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998;83(9):194-7.

7 Konig F, von Hippel C, Petersdorff T, Kaschka W. Thyroid autoantibodies in depressive disorders [German]. Acta Med Austriaca 1999;26(4):126-98.

8 Stagnaro-Green A. Recognizing, understanding, and treating postpartum thyroiditis. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2000;29(2):417-30,ix.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.