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Thyroid abnormalities in lithium-treated patients with bipolar affective disorder
A Cayköylü1, I Capoğlu, N Unüvar
1Department of Psychiatry, Atatürk University, School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey. acaykoylu@hotmail.com
The Journal of International Medical Research
|March 30, 2002
Summary
Lithium therapy for bipolar disorder can affect thyroid function. This study found thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, in patients undergoing long-term lithium treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bipolar affective disorder requires long-term treatment, often with lithium.
- Lithium's impact on thyroid function is a known concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze thyroid function and gland morphology in bipolar patients on lithium therapy.
- To identify the prevalence and types of thyroid dysfunction associated with lithium treatment.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasonography of thyroid glands in 42 bipolar disorder patients.
- Analysis of thyroid function tests in patients receiving lithium (4-156 months).
Main Results:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism (7.1%), subclinical hyperthyroidism (7.1%), and hyperthyroidism (2.4%) were observed.
- Goitre detected in 38.1% of subjects. Mild thyroid dysfunction (increased T4 to T3 conversion) found in 47.6%.
Conclusions:
- Lithium therapy is associated with various thyroid dysfunctions in bipolar patients.
- Increased T4 to T3 conversion, a marker of mild dysfunction, was common, particularly in younger males with weight gain.