Wednesday, September 12, 2012

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.

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