The Relationship Between Thyroid Disease And Depression
There are many studies that show that people who suffer from hyperthyroidism are more prone to depression than those who have no problem with the functioning of their thyroid gland. It looks like the thyroid gland malfunction results in the excessive release of certain hormones which cause depression.
What Type Of Depression The Thyroid Gland Malfunction Could Cause?
There are many types of depression that could be caused by thyroid disease, each one having their own characteristics and methods of treatment. Three types of depression are most common and these are bipolar disorder, major depression and dysthymia.
Bipolar Disorder
This type of depression is recognized by its extreme feelings which swing from being completely elated to totally dejected and on the verge of committing suicide. This is one type of depression which could be caused by thyroid malfunction. A simple test would be able to tell you whether the thyroid hormones could be the cause for this type of disorder.
Major Depression
When a person suffers from major depression he or she would manifest an acute shut down from all the activities that were once important in their lives. This type of depression is thoroughly disruptive and dangerous. More than 60 percent of people who suffer from this type of depression success in committing suicide.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia is yet another chronic type of depression that the thyroid could influence. This type differs from major depression and bipolar depression in the fact that it does not totally disable a person from functioning normally. The person who suffers from dysthymia functions almost as a regular person with the exception that they would be unable to give their one hundred percent because they felt miserable about themselves.
Other Facts Regarding Depression
It is easy to find out which depression is caused by the thyroid malfunction with the help of a few tests and the symptoms that you are manifesting. Fortunately, the effects of thyroid on depression can be completely reversed provided you are serious about taking the medicines and following the doctor's prescription to the letter.
It is very important that you take the medicine exactly as advised by the doctor because in certain cases the very medicines that are supposed to save your life might take it away. Be aware that you could swing back from hyperthyroidism (when the thyroid is producing more hormones than it should) to hypothyroidism which means that the medication should be immediately discontinued and medication reversed.
How Can You Treat The Thyroid Malfunction And Depression?
There are many herbs that could help with both the thyroid and depression. However, it is always best to first consult your doctor and have their endorsement before you shift treatments. In some rare cases herbs might react with the thyroid or the depression drugs making things worse.
