European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: The impact of thyroid hormones on the human brain and behavior is well-established, with documented correlations between thyroid dysfunction and psychiatric disturbances. Non-thyroidal illness, often termed euthyroid sick syndrome, is characterized by altered thyroid function parameters in response to systemic or acute psychiatric illness. Limited data exist on thyroid dysfunction rates in major psychiatric disorders in the Indian population. Objective: This study aimed to assess thyroid dysfunction prevalence in depressive disorders among psychiatric outpatients, examining the correlation between endocrinopathy and depression. Methodology:A prospective study was conducted at SLN Medical College and Hospital in 2019-2020. Patients were diagnosed using ICD-10 criteria, and thyroid function tests were performed using the Chemiluminescence method. Samples were collected from newly diagnosed, non-medicated patients over 18 years, excluding those with pre-existing thyroid disorders or medications affecting thyroid function. Results: Out of 138 patients, 37.7% with depression exhibited abnormal thyroid function tests. Hypothyroidism was observed in 30.8%, hyperthyroidism in 15.2%, and nonspecific alterations in 53.9% of cases. Abnormalities were more common in females (43.8%) than males (32.3%). Elevated serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels were significantly associated with depressive patients. Discussion: The study revealed a higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in depressive disorders than reported in previous studies. Abnormalities were more prevalent in females, aligning with the higher prevalence of mood disorders in women. Non-specific alterations in iodothyronine concentrations were often associated with euthyroid sick syndrome in patients with depression. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the association between thyroid dysfunction and depressive disorders, showcasing the complexity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid system's role in mood regulation. Routine thyroid screening is recommended in psychiatric evaluations, considering the potential manifestation of psychiatric disturbances in thyroid disease.