Hypothyroidism Mistaken for Depression

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Q. I was diagnosed with “depression” and for several years I took a series of different antidepressant drugs. The results were unsatisfactory and I experienced many unpleasant side effects.

Then one year I was hospitalized for an unrelated medical problem. During the tests I was found to be suffering from severe hypothyroidism. I needed Synthroid, not Zoloft!

If any of your readers are being treated for depression and have not had a complete physical exam and a thyroid test, they should ask for this immediately.

A. People with underactive thyroid glands may experience a range of symptoms, including depression, apathy and fatigue as well as weakness, anemia, high cholesterol or mental slowness. Treating such symptoms with an antidepressant instead of thyroid hormone could be counterproductive. Certain antidepressants (particularly lithium, but drugs such as Paxil or Zoloft in rare cases) have been associated with thyroid imbalances.

For more information on testing, interactions and therapy we offer our Guide to Thyroid Hormones. We also discuss psychological issues related to hypothyroidism and creative treatment approaches in an hour-long radio interview with thyroid experts Mary Shomon and Ken Blanchard, MD.