Thyroid and Depression

There is a direct connection between physical and mental well-being. Though many of these connections may not be directly visible, the body of medical knowledge on the subjects ensures that their existence cannot be denied. The connection between thyroid and depression is a similar condition, just read about the depression definition and you’ll see why. Hypothyroidism is a condition that can lead to depression. In this condition, the body does not get the required amount of thyroid hormone to carry out routine functions. In fact, this is where the link between thyroid and depression comes to light. Numerous research studies point towards a rather direct connection between thyroid and depression. The fact of the matter is that a lot of patients suffering from hypothyroidism also go through depression.

Hypothyroidism

Unfortunately, just like depression, even hypothyroidism is a kind of a condition that goes undiagnosed for a long time. Establishing a direct link between thyroid and depression hence becomes that much more difficult. In fact, there are a lot of patients who are even tested for the problem but once lab results come out as normal, there is no more room for suspicion though the hypothyroidism may still be brewing within the body.

Diagnosing Thyroid and Depression

The evasive nature of these test results is what makes it very difficult to find a meaning full connection between thyroid and depression. However, it has been noted that even in mild cases of thyroid problems, it is possible for a patient to have symptoms of depression and something like serotonin foods can help. Since sub clinical thyroid problems have many symptoms that are common with full-blown, clinical hypothyroidism, minor thyroid troubles leading to depression is possible and happens quite often.

For anyone worried about thyroid troubles leading to depression it is essential to look for certain signs and symptoms. The following are a few symptoms of thyroid problems that may also help establish a link with depression:

– Fatigue

– Oversensitivity to cold

– Puffy face accompanied by a slight tingling in legs and hands

– Hair loss and dry, damaged skin

– Weight gain

– Low blood pressure and body temperature

– An unusually slow pulse

– Low concentration levels, memory and slow reflexes

– Repeated miscarriages or infertility

– Difficulty in breathing

If any of these symptoms seem persistent, a doctor must conduct a physical examination testing reflexes, pulse, blood pressure and the thyroid gland. Several other methods including lab tests must be used to detect the presence of any problem with the thyroid gland.

Once you are certain about a thyroid problem, you then need to check for symptoms of depression. If you find that you have the normal symptoms of depression such as feeling low and hopeless for a large part of the day along with loss of interest in fun activities and changes in appetite and sleep patterns, you can be certain about thyroid trouble leading to depression. The complexity of depression leaves a lot of room for this theory which is really more of a fact for most doctors. Thyroid trouble leading to depression is quite a normal occurrence so one must ensure that right steps are taken in good time to minimize damage.