The first symptoms of thyroid disorders are often depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia and sometimes mania. But there are also other physical signs and symptoms that a good doctor can pick up, even without blood tests.

The tests you want to ask for are T3, T4, and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone.) If the physical exam and blood tests come back abnormal, the doctor may also order an ultrasound of the gland and maybe a few other tests. I have a complicated thyroid disorder that required blood tests, antibody tests, ultrasounds, radioactive iodine uptake tests and two more scans. None of the tests hurt.

Treatment is one pill a day. But, unfortunately, I wasn't able to stop taking any of the meds I take for my other co-existing conditions. The benefit was that I started feeling a lot better. When the thyroid got straightened out, it allowed the other meds to keep the other conditions under control.

Where I live, it is now common for psychiatrists to do thyroid and nutritional testing. But this is a recent development. Ten years ago, it was very uncommon.

I hope the doctor and your therapist help you get your problem figured out as soon as possible.