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Major depression and subclinical (grade 2) hypothyroidism
1Mood Disorders Program, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is linked to major depression. Patients with SCH and depression showed higher rates of panic disorder and a weaker response to antidepressants.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with various affective disorders.
- Limited research exists on SCH's clinical correlates in major depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate demographic, clinical, and treatment response differences in major depression patients with and without SCH.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 139 patients with unipolar, nonpsychotic major depression was studied.
- SCH was defined by elevated TSH with normal T3 and T4 levels.
- 19 subjects were identified as having SCH.
Main Results:
- Major depression with SCH was associated with concurrent panic disorder.
- Patients with SCH exhibited a poorer response to antidepressant treatment.
- Differences in demographic and clinical variables were analyzed between groups.
Conclusions:
- SCH may represent a distinct subtype of major depression.
- The presence of SCH in major depression warrants further investigation regarding treatment strategies.
- Concurrent panic disorder is a significant correlate of SCH in major depression.