IV.a. Autoimmune thyroid and bipolar disorder

Autoimmune Thyroid (Hashimoto's disease)

An estimated 50 to 90% of cases of hypothyroidism result from anti-thyroid antibodies. Hashmimoto's antibodies seem to be more common in people with bipolar depression, mixed state, and rapid cycling (and to a lesser degree, in other affective disorders) than in the general population.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start with neck tenderness, and may be otherwise unnoticeable. Depression, memory and concentration problems may be the next to emerge.
Thyroid activity may cycle initially, so you can get periods of insomnia, anxiety, inner tension, panic attacks, hypomania, rapid heart beat, etc. due to thyroid hyperactivity. In some cases, overactivity is severe, creating hashitoxicosis.
Over years, the ongoing attack on thyroid tissue suppresses function causing hypothyroidism, with typical symptoms such as weight gain, chronic depression and fatigue, constipation, kidney and heart complications, etc.  (See previous post)

Potential Causes 

Psychosocial stressors.
Overstimulation with iodine or certain drugs.
Chronic exposure to fluoride, chlorine.
Toxic exposure.
Immune challenge (e.g., Candida, Epstein Barr).
Undermethylation and lack of glutathione
More on this later.


To get a more comprehensive view of the implications of thyroid function, and other endocrine status on bipolar disorder, you may want to look through my book, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder,
                available here.

To contact me, click here.


Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So if you need treatment for bipolar, thyroid disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.

III. Low Thyroid and Depression

Thyroid: Mood and Cognitive Symptoms

Thyroid imbalances, particularly hypothyroid (low thyroid), pervade the depressed population.
Conversely, depression (and low energy) is a major symptom for almost all hypothyroid patients, even if only mildly low thyroid. (Fardella 2000, Pies 1998, Placidi 1998, Prange 1996, Musselman 1996)

Typical mental symptoms also include: apathy, loss of interest or pleasure, cognitive slowing, difficulty concentrating, suicidal ideas, memory problems, weakness, pervasive fatigue (may literally sleep one's life away), emotional instability, anxiety, perhaps panic, delusions and fears, suspiciousness and resentment.

Greater Severity and Myxedematous Madness 

Progressive hypothyroidism (myxedemia) steadily slows mental and physical functioning, compromising memory, concentration, comprehension, energy, and reflexes.
Before hormone treatment developed, up to 50% developed a psychosis, termed, myxedematous madness.
Symptoms could include melancholia, mania, and psychosis. Also,  slowed thinking, dementia, morbid dreams, obsessions, frightening hallucinations, persecutory delusions, paranoia, suicidal ruminations, along with physical symptoms of low metabolism.   (Gull 1873,  Clinical Society of London 1888,  Asher 1949)

Missed Thyroid Diagnoses

Psychiatric hypothyroid symptoms frequently precede physical, often leading to misdiagnosis as depression, and incorrect treatment. (Asher 1949, Reed 1977, Boillet 1998)
Low thyroid decreases cerebral glucose metabolism and blood flow (Marangell 1997), suppresses catecholamine activity and receptor sensitivity (Mano 1998), and is associated with more lengthy, frequent and severe depressions. Subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism is especially common in antidepressant-resistant affectives. (Frye 1999)

Note: Physical Symptoms

Weight gain, increased fat, difficult to reverse unless thyroid activity improves. Appetite changes.
Dry, puffy, rough skin; flaky acne. Pallor, yellow tinge (due to difficulty metabolizing carotene).
Water-logged tissue, e.g., ankles, face, especially under the eyes. 
Missing outer third of eyebrows. Eyebrows may be permanently raised to keep lids open.
Brittle, easily broken nails. Thinning, dry, brittle, hair. 
Vision problems, night blindness. Hearing problems.
Hoarseness, slurred speech, tongue thick and swollen, difficulty swallowing.
Anemia, poor circulation, cold sensitivity; perhaps also intolerant to heat.
Joint pain or stiffness, arthritis. Fatigue after minor exertion. Muscle weakness, aches, cramps.
Headaches, migraines.
Indigestion, gas, chronic constipation. Sensitive to drugs and toxins.
Prone to allergies, Candida, hypoglycemia, diabetes.
Low libido, PMS, fertility problems. Menses tend to be irregular, profuse, painful.
Shortness of breath, chest pain, slow pulse. Low blood pressure; but eventually too high, elevated cholesterol, atherosclerosis, heart disease. Prone to lung disorders.

To get a comprehensive view, you may want to look through my book, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder
                available here.

To contact me, click here.


Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So if you need treatment for bipolar, thyroid disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.