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Its Relevance to Affective Illness

Peter C. Whybrow, MD; Arthur J. Prange, Jr, MD

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1981;38(1):106-113.

Abstract
• Recent prospective studies suggest that thyroid state plays a role in affective disorders. A lack of thyroid hormones can lower the threshold for depression; an excess can contribute to a state of tense dysphoria. Thyroid function in some persons also appears to influence the course of affective disorders. Adequate mobilization of thyroid hormones favors recovery from depression; excess mobilization increases the risk of mania in vulnerable individuals. Although other mechanisms may be involved, evidence suggests that the modulation by thyroid hormones of the β-adrenergic receptor response to catecholamines may contribute to these effects. Norepinephrine stimulates such receptors; thyroid hormones increase their ability to receive stimulation. The plausibility of such interactions between catecholamines and thyroid hormones occurring in the CNS is strengthened by their common origin in the amino acid tyrosine and by their synergism in many metabolic processes.

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH (Dr Whybrow), and the Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Dr Prange).

Footnotes
Reprint requests to Office of Dean, Dartmouth Medical School, College Street, Hanover, NH 03755 (Dr Whybrow).

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