A preliminary assessment of the impact of women's susceptibility to Hashimoto's thyroiditis on the occurrence of anxiety and depressive disorders

Abstract

Aim: There huge differences in the incidence of autoimmune thyroid diseases between women and men, which is caused by sexual differentiation of the immune system. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is now one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders. Its diagnosis is challenging, and its effects on mental health can often impose a greater burden on the patients than physical symptoms. The aim of this study was to make a preliminary assessment of anxiety levels and depressive symptoms in women with diagnosed Hashimoto's disease. Material and methods: The study included 205 women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The study consisted of two parts. Part one employed the diagnostic survey method with the use of standardized questionnaires and a proprietary interview questionnaire. Part two involved the analysis of biochemistry parameters in blood serum to determine thyroid status. Results: The analysis revealed moderate anxiety levels in women with Hashimoto's disease. Women with moderate and severe depression were in the minority, while mild depression was observed in 40% of the participants. A statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between state anxiety and TSH level. Discussion: Patients with autoimmune thyroiditis are at risk for the development of depression, social phobia, anxiety disorders and sleep disorders. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms co-occur with anxiety disorders in the group of women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The studied group of patients presented mild depressive symptoms and moderate anxiety disorders. A higher level of state anxiety in the group of women with Hashimoto's disease is correlated with higher serum TSH. Lower serum FT4 co-occurs with more severe symptoms of depression and anxiety.