What’s the Link Between Hypothyroidism and Depression?

Anxiety and depression difference: People with a generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD) display excessive Anxiety or worry, most days for at least 6 months, about many things such as personal health, work, social interactions, and everyday routine life circumstances. Fear and Anxiety can cause significant problems in areas of their life, such as social interactions, school, and work. 

• Bipolar disorder: is different from Depression, but it is included in this list because someone with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major Depression (called “Bipolar Depression”). But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high – euphoric or irritable – moods called “mania” or a less severe form called “hypomania.”
• Postpartum Depression: is much more serious than the “baby blues” (relatively mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that typically clear within two weeks after delivery) that many women experience after giving birth. Women with postpartum Depression experience full-blown major Depression during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression). The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany postpartum depression may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or their babies.
• Seasonal affective disorder: is characterized by the onset of Depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This Depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Winter Depression, typically accompanied by social withdrawal, increased sleep, and weight gain, predictably returns every year in seasonal affective disorder.
• SAD Seasonal Depression (Depressed SAD): A form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is triggered by the changing of the seasons; it starts and ends about at the same periods each year. If you have SAD like the majority of people do, your symptoms begin in the fall and last through the winter, draining your energy and making you cranky. Typically, these symptoms go away in the spring and summer. SAD less frequently results in depression in the spring or early summer and clears up in the fall or winter.
  SAD treatment options include medications, psychotherapy, and light therapy (phototherapy).

Depression and Anxiety Statistics

It’s critical to understand the distinction between anxiety and depression. Anxiety, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worry, whereas depression, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness. It is conceivable for someone to experience depression and anxiety simultaneously.

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Hypothyroidism Depression: What Does the Thyroid Do?

The thyroid, which is a component of the body’s endocrine system, secretes hormones that assist in regulating metabolism and energy levels. Typically, the thyroid controls a number of processes by continuously releasing thyroid hormones. However, issues with this gland can lead to a thyroid imbalance, which can have a variety of negative effects on the body. Unbalanced thyroid function can also be a factor in mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

There are a number of different conditions that affect the thyroid, but two of the most common problems are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

• Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, happens when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It tends to affect women more frequently than men. It can occur at any age, but it also tends to be more common in adults over the age of 60.
• Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, happens when the body produces too much thyroid hormone. Many people who have an overactive thyroid experience some type of anxiety symptoms. However, research also suggests that depression is also very common, affecting as many as 69% of people with hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Depression: Symptoms of a Thyroid Imbalance

It’s crucial to keep an eye out for symptoms if you think you could have a thyroid problem of some kind. If you believe that symptoms of depression, anxiety, or any mental health illness may be exacerbated by an underlying thyroid condition, speak with your doctor.

Thyroid depression symptoms: Hypothyroidism symptoms include a variety of symtoms.

According to studies, TSH levels and the severity of depressive symptoms are associated. The pituitary gland secretes TSH, also known as thyroid-stimulating hormone, which encourages the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone.

Can Hypothyroidism Cause Depression and Anxiety? Mild Hypothyroidism May Contribute to Depression

Even cases with a milder underactive thyroid might result in issues, although more severe hypothyroidism may cause more depressive symptoms. According to several studies, depression may be associated with subclinical hypothyroidism, which is characterized by TSH levels that are somewhat or slightly above normal or at the higher end of the normal range.

According to one study, depressive symptoms were present in 63.5% of participants who had subclinical thyroid issues, or indications of an underactive thyroid, but did not meet the diagnostic criteria for hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone therapy provided some comfort, but it was insufficient to bring about a complete recovery.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists advises that all people who have been diagnosed with depression should be tested for subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism because the link between an underactive thyroid and depression is so strong.

Depression and Thyroid: Can Thyroid Cause Depression?

The fact that depression and hypothyroidism (depression hypothyroidism) share some symptoms can make a diagnosis more difficult. The symptoms of both include typically low mood, exhaustion, difficulties concentrating, diminished libido, and weight gain.

In these situations, it can be beneficial to consider some of the additional symptoms that could point to an underactive thyroid. Constipation, dry hair and skin, hair loss, hoarseness, stiff muscles, and a constant sense of cold increase the likelihood that your sadness is caused by hypothyroidism.

We Level Up Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The exact definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions.  However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time.

Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse. Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success. 

A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment.

At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

It can be challenging to accept that you may be living with a mental illness, but once it is properly diagnosed and treated, treating the presenting case of substance abuse can be magnitudes easier. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.