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Thyroid function screening in acute geropsychiatric admissions
S Madhusoodanan1, R Brenner, S Bavli
1Department of Psychiatry, St. John's Episcopal Hospital, Far Rockaway, New York 11691, USA.
Summary
Thyroid function tests (TFts) revealed abnormalities in 40 acute geropsychiatric patients, most commonly elevated triiodothyronine uptake (T3U). These findings suggest potential links to systemic illness or poor nutrition in this population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Thyroid dysfunction is linked to psychiatric conditions.
- Assessing thyroid function is common in geropsychiatric care.
- Limited research exists on thyroid function in acute geropsychiatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate thyroid function abnormalities in acute geropsychiatric inpatients.
- To compare thyroid function test (TFT) results between geropsychiatric patients and a comparison group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 197 acute geropsychiatric inpatients.
- Inclusion of 14 comparison group patients.
- Analysis of thyroid function tests, including triiodothyronine uptake (T3U) and free thyroxine index (FTI).
Main Results:
- Abnormal TFTs were found in 40 geropsychiatric patients and 2 comparison patients.
- Elevated T3U was the most frequent abnormality.
- Female geropsychiatric patients showed significantly higher T3U and FTI compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid function abnormalities are present in acute geropsychiatric patients.
- Findings may indicate underlying systemic illness or nutritional deficits.
- Further research is warranted to explore these associations.