Study finds thyroid inflammationlinked to anxiety disorders
Patients with autoimmune inflammation of their thyroid may be at greater risk of
developing anxiety, according to a study being presented at e-ECE-2020.
The study found that people with anxiety may also have inflammation in their thyroid
gland that can be reduced by taking the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, Ibuprofen. These
findings suggest that thyroid function may play an important role in the development of
anxiety disorders and that thyroid inflammation should be investigated as un underlying
factor in psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety.
At present, up to 35% of the young population ( 25-60 years) in developed countries have
an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can have a severe impact on people’s quality of life and ability
to work and socialize, and anti-anxiety medication does not always have a lasting effect.
Current examinations for anxiety disorders usually focus on the dysfunction of the nervous
system and do not take into account the role of the endocrine system.
The thyrid gland produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that are
essential for regulating heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone
maintenance. Autoimmune inflammation in the thyroid occurs when our bodies wrongly
produce antibodies that attack the gland and causes damage. Recent studies indicate that
anxiety disorders can be associated with the dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Therefore, it
is important to understand how this may contribute to anxiety so that patients can be
treated more effectively.
A Dr. investigated thyroid function in 29 men ( average age 33.9) and 29 women ( average
age 31.7) with diagnosed anxiety, who were experiencing panic attacks. Ultrasounds of
their thyroid glands assessed thyroid function and levels of thyroid hormones were
measured. The patients with anxiety showed signs of inflammation of their thyroid glands
but their function was not affected, with thyroid hormone levels all within the normal
range, although slightly elevated. They also tested positive for antibodies directed against
the thyroid. Treatment for 14 days with Ibuprofen and thyroxine reduced thyroid
inflammation, normalized thyroid hormone levels and reduced their anxiety scores.
These findings indicate that the endocrine system may play an important role in anxiety.
Doctors should also consider the thyroid gland and the rest of the endocrine system, as well
as the nervous system when examining patients with anxiety, the Dr. explains.
This knowledge could help patients with anxiety receive more effective treatment that
improves thyroid function and could have a long-term positive effect on their mental
health. However, sec and adrenal gland hormones were not taken in to account in this
study, and these can also have a serious effect in anxiety.
The Dr. now plans to conduct further research that examines the levels of thyroid, sex and
adrenal hormones (cortisol, progesterone, prolactin, estrogen and testosterone) in patients
with dysfunctional thyroid glands and anxiety disorders. This research aims to help
understand more clearly the role of the endocrine system in the development of anxiety
and could lead to better management of anxiety disorders.