[Blue_Bird]

I was wondering about the relation to thyroid disorders and anxiety/panic attacks, mood swings, depression. Does anybody on here have hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism? I am going to get my thyroid tested for the first time in a few months, requested by my psychiatrist. He said he just wanted to rule it out before he changes anything to my diagnosis? I'm not sure why I was never asked to get this done before, I just now found out thyroid disorders could actually cause issues that show up as what seems to be mental health problems.

I guess I'm just surprised none of my previous psychiatrists brought this up the past years, it seems like something that should be ruled out initially years before they put you on all kinds of medications. Of course I don't know if I have issues with my thyroid or not yet but I imagine it would be frustrating finding out you have something that's been overlooked when it would seem like at least one doctor would suggest it

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

I was wondering about the relation to thyroid disorders and anxiety/panic attacks, mood swings, depression. Does anybody on here have hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism? I am going to get my thyroid tested for the first time in a few months, requested by my psychiatrist. He said he just wanted to rule it out before he changes anything to my diagnosis? I'm not sure why I was never asked to get this done before, I just now found out thyroid disorders could actually cause issues that show up as what seems to be mental health problems.

I guess I'm just surprised none of my previous psychiatrists brought this up the past years, it seems like something that should be ruled out initially years before they put you on all kinds of medications. Of course I don't know if I have issues with my thyroid or not yet but I imagine it would be frustrating finding out you have something that's been overlooked when it would seem like at least one doctor would suggest it

It is so important to consider your thyroid. your psychiatrist is very thorough to want to have this done. I have hypothyroidism. In the early eighties a routine checkup by my Doctor at the time found out that my thyroid was three times the size it was suppose to be and found out it was a precancerous condition due to having radiation done to me as a baby in the 50's.I had terrible depression and anxiety) I had a thyroidectomy and today I take a pill everyday because of it. Hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism is important in many physical as well as mental issues. Today I still have problems with depression, and other mental health problems, I can only imagine how it would be a lot worse had I not had my thyroid checked, not to mention cancer of the thyroid.
warm thoughts to you.

[Blue_Bird]

It is so important to consider your thyroid. your psychiatrist is very thorough to want to have this done. I have hypothyroidism. In the early eighties a routine checkup by my Doctor at the time found out that my thyroid was three times the size it was suppose to be and found out it was a precancerous condition due to having radiation done to me as a baby in the 50's.I had terrible depression and anxiety) I had a thyroidectomy and today I take a pill everyday because of it. Hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism is important in many physical as well as mental issues. Today I still have problems with depression, and other mental health problems, I can only imagine how it would be a lot worse had I not had my thyroid checked, not to mention cancer of the thyroid.
warm thoughts to you.

Wow, I'm glad that you got that taken care of in time. I'm really afraid, just not knowing what's been going on with me lately. I never have had really thorough blood work done before, other than a complete blood count, of course but thyroid things don't show up on that apparently, it only showed some abnormal hormone levels. If it turns out to be something like a thyroid issue least I'll have some direction in what's been going on and treat it, and if things come back normal then I will at least have some peace of mind. I'm glad my doctor requested it, the first one to do so after 4 other doctors, it seems like it's something really important from what I've been reading.

[Travelinglady]

Me, too. I had hypothyroidism, and I am taking a med for it. I do think it might be helping me with any depression. At least I know if I have depression, it's not the thyroid to blame. So, I am glad you're finally getting checked for the possible problem.

[BobKatt]

YES!!! I was finally diagnosed with hypothyroid 6 weeks ago after having all the classic symptoms for years. I have been on natural desiccated thyroid hormone for 6 weeks and I feel like a new person. My mood is improved and my anxiety is much lower and I have stopped needing to take Xanax. Next step is eliminating antidepressants. I feel confident that I can do it based on how I feel now.

Please visit this site and read, read, read. Stop the Thyroid Madnessâ„¢ - Hypothyroidism and thyroid mistreatment

First thing to understand is that the TSH test alone is not adequate enough to evaluate your thyroid function. They must also test your free T3 and free T4 levels. If your Dr doesn't do these additional tests find one who does.

Best wishes

[-jimi-]

I was hypothyroid for 10 years before I got treated. In the meanwhile I also got proper treatment for depression, made a big difference but I was still so worn out. Finally they did a more extensive test and this time they decided I had hypo, before they just thought the "numbers" said I had it (they claimed I didn't show symptoms...). This time they couldn't deny it. It was my psychiatrist that referred me to a specialist so they had to test me.

When I started taking meds I could suddenly walk miles again. Before, I could barely walk to the cornerstore. It was a huge difference. I can easily see how hypo can be seen as depression because it makes you tired and unmotivated like heck. Hyper can give you anxiety.

[anneo59]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

I was wondering about the relation to thyroid disorders and anxiety/panic attacks, mood swings, depression. Does anybody on here have hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism? I am going to get my thyroid tested for the first time in a few months, requested by my psychiatrist. He said he just wanted to rule it out before he changes anything to my diagnosis? I'm not sure why I was never asked to get this done before, I just now found out thyroid disorders could actually cause issues that show up as what seems to be mental health problems.

I guess I'm just surprised none of my previous psychiatrists brought this up the past years, it seems like something that should be ruled out initially years before they put you on all kinds of medications. Of course I don't know if I have issues with my thyroid or not yet but I imagine it would be frustrating finding out you have something that's been overlooked when it would seem like at least one doctor would suggest it

yes that same thing happened to me a number of years back, and I can relate. But glad you are getting checked out now! Good luck!

[anneo59]

also, I know there's genetic research out there, and there is some scientific interrelationship here with some of these ailments. Not sure what it is, but did hear about it, and think I may look into it, as time permits.