Depression in Patients with Hypothyroidism: Etiological Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: depressive illnesses are often associated with chronic diseases and hypothyroidism is considered as a leading cause. Material and Methods: in this survey we investigated various causes of hypothyroidism and how they are resulted in depression amidst patients by using Beck’s Depression Inventory scoring system. Results: most of the causes of hypothyroidism are associated with depression at different scales and Hashimotos thyroiditis cause depression in half of the patients investigated with a range from mild to severe depression. Discussion and Conclusion: Hashimotos thyroiditis cause depression mainly through an autoimmune mechanism. Doses of levothyroxin need to be adjusted according to patient’s mental evaluation. Assessment of depressive status of the patient is crucial for the treatment plan.