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Related Concept Videos

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones01:20

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Graves' Disease I: Introduction01:28

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...

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Updated: May 25, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Abnormal thyroid function tests in psychiatric patients: a red herring?

Anna L Dickerman1, John W Barnhill

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA.

The American Journal of Psychiatry
|February 10, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Thyroid function tests in psychiatric patients may show abnormalities due to non-thyroidal illness, not true thyroid disease. These changes often resolve on their own and typically do not require treatment.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Thyroid dysfunction is linked to various psychiatric disorders, necessitating routine thyroid function tests in patients.
  • Abnormal thyroid function tests are observed in up to one-third of psychiatric patients.
  • These abnormalities may stem from non-thyroidal illness, affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, rather than primary thyroid disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and implications of non-thyroidal illness in psychiatric patients.
  • To differentiate between true thyroid disease and secondary thyroid function test abnormalities in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and clinical data concerning thyroid function tests in psychiatric patients.
  • Analysis of factors influencing thyroid function test patterns, including psychiatric diagnosis, substance abuse, and medication use.

Main Results:

  • Thyroid function test abnormalities in psychiatric patients can be a manifestation of non-thyroidal illness.
  • Patterns of these abnormalities vary based on psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, and medications.
  • Non-thyroidal illness-related thyroid function test abnormalities typically resolve spontaneously.

Conclusions:

  • Abnormal thyroid function tests in psychiatric patients warrant careful interpretation due to the potential for non-thyroidal illness.
  • Treatment for these abnormalities is often unnecessary and potentially harmful, as they usually resolve without intervention.