Study of thyroid profile among patients with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in a tertiary care center

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Depressive disorder is a prevalent psychiatric disorder worldwide. Thyroid disorders have symptoms like major depressive disorder (MDD). Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. Thyroid dysfunction is associated with increasing anxiety in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This study aimed to evaluate thyroid status in major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a 17-months period. Diagnosis was made using DSM 5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Criteria). Estimation of serum free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and ultrasensitive thyroid stimulating hormone (U-TSH) was done by ELISA. The study included 126 patients, 66 GAD and 60 MDD patients. Results: In both GAD and MDD, females outnumbered males. Age-group and disorder-type had significant association. In GAD and MDD, the mean values of FT3, FT4 and U-TSH were all within normal range. Among GAD patients, maximum were euthyroids followed by hyperthyroids and hypothyroids. In MDD patients, maximum were euthyroids followed by hypothyroids and hyperthyroids. The percentage of abnormal thyroid status in GAD and MDD were 21.2% and 23.3 % respectively. Conclusion: Abnormal thyroid status is prevalent in both GAD and MDD patients with differences in thyroid response. Thyroid profile may play and important role in proper management of the diseases.