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Basal thyroid indices in adolescent depression and bipolar disorder
S T Sokolov1, S P Kutcher, R T Joffe
1Mood Disorders Program, University of Toronto, Canada.
Summary
Thyroid hormone levels, specifically thyroxine (T4), are altered in adolescents with depression and mania. These thyroid axis abnormalities in adolescent mood disorders mirror findings in adults.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Thyroid axis abnormalities are noted in adult mood disorders, with elevated thyroxine (T4) in depression.
- Limited research exists on adolescent mood disorders and thyroid function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate thyroid axis function in adolescents with major depressive disorder and mania.
- To determine if thyroid abnormalities in adolescents mirror those found in adults.
Main Methods:
- Compared basal serum thyroid hormones (thyrotropin, T4, free-T4, T3, reverse-T3) in adolescent patients with depression and mania to normal controls.
- Included first-admission adolescent psychiatry patients meeting specific inclusion/exclusion criteria.
Main Results:
- Elevated T4 levels were observed in both depressed and manic adolescents compared to controls.
- Manic patients showed decreased triiodothyronine (T3) and increased reverse-T3.
- No significant differences were found related to age, sex, or suicidality.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent depression and mania are associated with significant differences in basal thyroid hormone levels.
- Findings suggest thyroid function abnormalities in adolescent mood disorders are similar to those in adults.