Subclinical Hypothyroidism 101: Does it Cause Depression? Probably Not!

Subclinical Hypothyroidism  SCH 101: Does it Cause Depression? Probably Not!

KIm J. et al

JCEM May 2018 103(5) 1827-1833

Samuels M.

JCEM May 2018 103(5) 2061-64

Dr. Guttler’s comments on these two articles. Kim’s first

1. SCH and depression is not a proven association.
2. Out of 220,000 patients 7300 developed depression.
3. No apparent association with SCH and depression was found.
4. Dr Samuel’s comments.
5. Major affective disorders ARE NOT associated with SCH.
6. They are an independent disorder.
7. Depressive symptoms are more likely when the patient knows they have a thyroid condition and has self -knowledge of thyroid disease.
8. It is OK to treat a patient with SCH with affective symptoms but do not expect relief of depressive symptoms.
9. Moderate or severe depressive symptoms are not due to SCH, and a primary psychiatric diagnosis needs to be diagnosed and treated.