Thyroid and Anxiety: What You Need to Know

Many people know that thyroid disorders can cause a wide array of physical symptoms, but these disorders have also been linked to anxiety and other emotional symptoms.

The thyroid gland is a small gland that is part of the endocrine system. It releases hormones that control many bodily functions and the body’s metabolism. Sometimes, anxiety and depression can be symptoms associated with a thyroid gland that produces either too much or too little thyroid hormone.

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According to WebMD, depression and fatigue are characteristic of hypothyroidism and anxiety, and insomnia and irritability are often symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Even though an overactive thyroid gland is the condition most often associated with anxiety and even panic attacks, for some patients, an underactive thyroid can be the cause, says Calm Clinic.

Holtorf Medical Group explains that hypothyroidism caused by the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s disease can result in both periods of depression and periods of anxiety as the thyroid gland becomes less functional over time and has episodes of both under- and over-activity.

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Holtorf Medical Group also explains that many patients are misdiagnosed in their quest to find answers for their altered moods. Physicians may not consider thyroid testing when patients present with psychological symptoms and the frustrated patients are prescribed anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs that do not treat the root cause of the problem.

This can be especially true for women, Dr. Jennifer Davis told The New York Times. “There’s a terrible bias against women who come in with subtle emotional complaints. These complaints tend to be pushed aside or attributed to stress or anxiety,” she said.

Holtorf Medical Group explains that not all anxiety or depression is due to thyroid imbalance. However, they advise that if you are experiencing altered moods, especially if you also have some physical symptoms of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, ask you doctor if thyroid imbalance could be the problem before you agree to take prescription medications for anxiety or depression.

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