Thyroid hormones in treatment of mood disorders

Although lithium carbonate is still the best validated and most preferred drug used for augmenting treatment of depression, T3 is perhaps the next best agent in this regard. Equivocal evidence, clinical skepticism and lack of data with SSRIs have prevented its widespread use. On the basis of whatever evidence is available it appears to be safe and effective. T4 is useful for replacement purpose and in high doses may have a role in augmenting mood stabilizers. Evidence for other therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones seems to be gathering, but they cannot be recommended yet in other situations as a part of routine clinical practice. Further research about the various therapeutic aspects of thyroid hormones is still required, since this is an area that seems to hold much promise.