Is Anxiety Caused by Thyroid Disease?

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Understanding Thyroid Diseases

The thyroid gland is a vital part of the endocrine system that releases thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones play a crucial role in many bodily functions, including metabolism, heart rate control, muscle function, and brain development. However, when the thyroid gland becomes dysfunctional, it can cause an array of issues.

Common Thyroid Diseases and Their Causes

There are several types of thyroid diseases, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s Disease, Graves’ Disease, and thyroid nodules. These diseases can result from either an over or underproduction of thyroid hormone, which can affect the body’s normal hormonal balance. Causes can range from autoimmune issues to lack of dietary iodine, pituitary gland dysfunction, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery of the thyroid gland.

Symptoms of Thyroid Diseases

Symptoms of thyroid diseases can vary depending on whether the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive. Hypothyroidism tends to include intolerance to cold, fatigue, depression, muscle weakness, irregular periods, and weight gain. Hyperthyroidism symptoms tend to include hyperactivity, fatigue, weight loss, sensitivity to heat, frequent urination, and nervousness. Additionally, psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety can occur in both hyper- and hypothyroidism.

The Connection Between Thyroid Disease and Mood

The thyroid gland has many effects throughout the body and mind, including alterations in mood and anxiety. Poor regulation of thyroid hormones can cause peculiar serotonin patterns, which can prompt anxiety, panic, and other mental health disorders. Studies have found that those with hypothyroidism are approximately twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder than the general population, and around 30% of anxiety disorders are associated with some form of autoimmune thyroid disorder.

Managing and Treating Anxiety

If your anxiety is caused or exacerbated by thyroid issues, medications that treat the thyroid disease itself may help to mitigate these issues and improve mood. However, there are also many available treatments for anxiety disorders, including psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and various medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants. It’s essential to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Regular check-ups are also crucial to monitor thyroid levels and assess whether any further medication adjustments are needed.