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DEPRESSION
vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISM
By Viktoriya Stork University of Saint Joseph
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISMThere is a link between hypothyroidism and depression.Some patients may be taking antidepressants whereas they should be taking thyroid medication (Burman, 2004).
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISMDepression should be distinguished from unhappiness or a response to a loss or injury. Sadness in the face of unhappy events is not an illness or mood disorder. Depression is associated with such symptoms as fatigue, social withdrawal, confusion, inability to enjoy activities, changes in sleep, libido, and appetite (Cancro, 2011)..
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISMHypothyroidism is an inappropriate of the thyroid gland that affects balance and the metabolism rate, may cause brain dysfunctions, mood instability, create heart rate problems, disrupt temperature control, energy production and carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISM
An underactive thyroid can be the result of an auto-immune problem, whereby the body's antibodies attack the thyroid gland. The name of this dysfunction is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism can also be the result of ageing. (Burman, 2004).
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISM
When depression starts in the neck. (2011).
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISM
(Pearson, 2013)
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISMFunctioning at sub-optimal levels of health, energy, and vitality is normal for many. Patient interview:•Do you feel inexplicably tired, moody, depressed, run down lethargic much or all of the time?•Does it seem that you have felt this way forever?•Have you tried everything? Exercise? Medication? Yoga? Mindfulness?It could be that the patient is suffering from an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism.15 - 40 % of the population suffers from some degree of hypothyroidism that is easily treated if diagnosed correctly (Cancro, 2011).
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISM Depression is not rare in men over age 85. They have the highest rates of suicide. Men mask their depression by using alcohol. In fact, depression in men is associated with the following indicators:•Low tolerance to stress;•Behaviors such as "acting out" and being impulsive;•A history of alcohol or substance abuse•A family history of depression, alcohol abuse, or suicide (The New York Times Health, n.d.).
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISMDuring the assessment interview the provider should concentrate on specific symptoms in order to differentiate between depressed mood or hypothyroidism (The New York Times Health, n.d.).
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISM
• Depressed mood on most days for most of each day - irritability may be
prominent in children and adolescents;• Total or very noticeable loss of pleasure most of the time;• Significant increases or decreases in appetite, weight, or
both;• Sleep disorders, either insomnia or excessive sleepiness,
nearly every day;• Feelings of agitation or a sense of intense slowness;• Loss of energy and a daily sense of tiredness;• Sense of guilt or worthlessness nearly all the time;• Inability to concentrate occurring nearly every day;• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide;• (The New York Times Health, n.d.)
CLARIFY THESE QUESTIONS IN AN INTERVIEW WITH PATIENT
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISMDepression in Children . Symptoms for major depression in children can differ from those in adults and may include: •An inability to enjoy favorite activities•Persistent sadness•Increased irritability•Complaints of physical problems, such as headaches and stomachaches•Poor performance in school•Persistent boredom•Low energy•Poor concentration•Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns
(The New York Times Health, n.d.)
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISMDIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS FOR
DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS
•Depressive Disorder due to Another Medical condition;•Substance / Medical-Induced Depressive Disorder;•Persistent Depressive disorder (Dysthymia);•Nonpathological periods of sadness;
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISMSCREENING TESTS
•Mental health APRN may perform a screening test named the Beck Depression Inventory or the Hamilton Rating Scale, both of which consist of about 20 questions that assess the individual for depression. •Symptoms of depression can vary depending on a person’s cultural and ethnic background.•For instance, people from non-Western countries are more likely to report such physical symptoms as headache, constipation, weakness, or back pain, that are related to the depression, rather than mood-related symptoms (The New York Times Health, n.d.)•.
DEPRESSION vs UNDIAGNOSED
HYPOTHYROIDISMA diagnosis of depression is based on symptoms that are meeting specific criteria. Many patients who are depressed first seek help from their family practitioners. Guidelines now recommend that prior to diagnosing depression family doctors or APRNs must first rule out thyroid problems and then screen adults and adolescents at ages 12 - 18 for depression, as long as these doctors or APRNs have appropriate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of their patients.
References
• Burman, B. (2004). Hypothyroidism and its link to depression, fatigue and poor health.
• Positive Health, (102), 33-36.
• (n.d.). Depression In-Depth Report. The New York Times Health. Retrieved from
• http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/depression/print.html
• Pearson, T. (2013). Hypothyroidism: Challenges when treating
• older adults. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 39(1), 10-14. doi:http://dx.doi.org/ 10.3928/00989134-20121204-02
• When depression starts in the neck. (2011). Harvard Mental Health Letter, 28(1), 4-5.