Depressive Personality Affects Thyroid Function in Graves' Disease Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Fukao Atsushi, Takamatsu Junta, Kubota Sumihisa, Miyauchi Akira, Hanafusa Toshiaki
Primary Institution: Ibaraki City Public Health Medical Center
Hypothesis
The study aims to examine the relationship among depressive personality, emotional stresses, thyroid function, and the prognosis of hyperthyroidism in newly diagnosed Graves' disease patients.
Conclusion
Depressive personality during treatment reflects emotional stress more than thyrotoxicosis and aggravates hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 69% of untreated patients showed depressive personality traits.
- 46% of patients with depressive personality had persistent symptoms after treatment.
- The remission rate was significantly lower in the depression group (22%) compared to the non-depression group (52%).
Takeaway
If someone with Graves' disease feels really sad or stressed, it can make their thyroid problems worse, even if their thyroid levels are normal.
Methodology
Sixty-four untreated Graves' disease patients completed personality and stress questionnaires before and during antithyroid drug treatment.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported questionnaires and the lack of a control group.
Limitations
The study only followed patients for four years and did not include a control group of healthy individuals.
Participant Demographics
64 patients (10 males and 54 females), average age 34.5 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.0305
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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