Subclinical thyroid dysfunction and major depressive disorder.
Grigorios N Karakatsoulis1,2, Eva-Maria Tsapakis3,4, Calypso Mitkani5
13rd Department of Psychiatry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University General Hospital AHEPA, Stilponos Kyriakidi Str. 1, Thessaloniki, Greece. gregkarakatsoulis@gmail.com.
Hormones (Athens, Greece)
|August 24, 2021
Summary
Subclinical thyroid dysfunction (SCH) may increase the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), potentially via autoimmune pathways. However, current evidence remains inconclusive, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Immunology
Background:
- Subclinical thyroid dysfunction (SCH) is a condition characterized by abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with normal free thyroid hormone levels.
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and debilitating mental health condition.
- An autoimmune mechanism has been speculated to link SCH and MDD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and major depressive disorder.
- To explore the role of autoimmune mechanisms in the relationship between SCH and MDD.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed database.
- Relevant research and review articles were identified and analyzed.
Main Results:
- An association between autoimmune mechanisms, potentially involving the thyroid gland, and depressive disorders is suggested.
- The available evidence supporting this association is currently inconclusive.
- Depression prevalence appears higher in patients with SCH, possibly indicating a lowered threshold for MDD onset.
Conclusions:
- The precise relationship between SCH and MDD remains unclear.
- Large, well-designed studies have not yet established a definitive link between reference-range thyroid hormone levels and MDD.
- Further research is required to elucidate the complex interplay between thyroid function and mental health.
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