Exploring the experiences of people with hypo- and hyperthyroidism

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Thyroid diseases, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, present complex psychological and physical symptoms.
• The psychosocial impact of living with thyroid dysfunction remains inadequately understood.
• Qualitative research is needed to explore patient experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of individuals with hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
• To identify the psychosocial challenges associated with thyroid disease management.
• To understand how patients conceptualize and negotiate their illness.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interview study with 16 participants diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease.
• Participants were selected from Danish outpatient clinics based on diagnosis, age (18-65), and treatment duration (>6 months).
• Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Three superordinate themes emerged: "losing control over mental and physical states," "ambiguous signs of disease," and "negotiating sickness."
• These themes highlight the profound impact of thyroid disease on patients' sense of self and daily functioning.
• Findings underscore the subjective experience of living with chronic thyroid conditions.

Conclusions:

• The identified themes are crucial for understanding the conceptualization and management of thyroid diseases.
• Addressing the psychosocial aspects is vital for improving patient care and outcomes.
• Further research should integrate these lived experiences into clinical practice.