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The silent connection: anxiety, depression, and thyroid nodules explored
Hui Xu1, Jingxian Fan1, Yi Chen2
1Department of Emergency, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Postgraduate Medicine
|September 24, 2025
Summary
Thyroid nodules are common in Eastern China, especially in women. While not linked in the general population, thyroid nodules show a significant association with anxiety and depression disorders specifically in females.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Thyroid nodules (TNs) are a common endocrine condition.
- Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are significant public health concerns.
- Understanding the interplay between physical and mental health is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of thyroid nodules in Eastern China.
- To examine the association between thyroid nodules and anxiety/depression disorders.
- To identify demographic and thyroid function factors influencing this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 5497 participants in Eastern China (SPECT-China project).
- Thyroid ultrasonography, thyroid function tests (TSH), and mental health assessments (SAS, SDS).
- Statistical analyses including descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square, and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of TNs (57.5%), more common in females, older adults, and those with lower education.
- Anxiety (4.8%) and depression (5.2%) disorders were more prevalent in females and older individuals.
- Logistic regression revealed no general association between TNs and mental disorders, but a significant link in females. TSH levels showed no correlation.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid nodules are highly prevalent in Eastern China, with specific demographic risk factors.
- A significant association exists between thyroid nodules and anxiety/depression disorders in females.
- Further research into gender-specific differences in the thyroid nodule-mental health relationship is warranted.
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