Can Thyroid Disease Worsen Depression?

It's well known that depression symptoms can be caused or worsened by many medical illnesses.

Your thyroid gland is important in controlling metabolism. If it's not functioning properly, it can affect your mood. Your thyroid can be underactive or overactive, as well as normal.

Interestingly, there is a thyroid hormone produced by your brain that travels through your bloodstream to the thyroid gland in your neck. The thyroid gland, in turn, produces other hormones that regulate metabolism.

Your health care provider may check your thyroid with a blood test. Additionally, thyroid hormone is sometimes added to the antidepressant you are currently on to give it a boost.

Some medical conditions preclude the use of oral thyroid hormone. Talk with your health care provider about options as not everyone is a candidate for this.

Need more help? National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room. Call your physician, health provider or clergy. National Alliance on Mental Illness. www.nami.org. 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) One of these is for thyroid disease.

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