In addition to a multitude of physical symptoms and signs, there are also high incidences of mental health issues associated with thyroid dysfunction. Because of its regulatory effects on neurotransmitters, hypothalamic and pituitary hormones, e.g. serotonin, cortisol, etc., correlations have been noted between thyroid-related hormone serum levels, depression, anxiety and impaired quality of life. Mental symptoms may persist even after normalization of thyroid function with treatment.
Psychosocial factors associated with mental disorders have been attributed to hyperthyroidism. Psychosomatic approaches are important for the treatment of mental disorders associated with autoimmune-induced Graves’ disease. In the case of delayed diagnosis or non-diagnosis of Graves' Disease, the negative social consequences of these mental health issues are profound.
In this educational activity, Gail Devers, an elite track and field athlete and Olympic gold-medalist, describes her physical and mental health experiences prior to being diagnosed with Graves’ disease. She also emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy when interacting with medical providers including mental health therapists.
Please note
This is a two-part video series, and we recommend watching the sessions in the following order for the best experience:
This is a two-part video series, and we recommend watching the sessions in the following order for the best experience:
- Thyroid Disease: Diagnostic Challenges (Start here)
- Thyroid Disease: A Mental Health Perspective (Watch second)
In this e-learning Thyroid Disease: A Mental Health Perspective, Dr. Kahaly references key concepts from Diagnostic Challenges. Watching the second video first may lead to confusion.
Target Audience
This activity is intended for medical professionals who have a clinical interest in thyroid disorders as seen in the following medical specialties: primary care (IM, FP, and GP), neurology, psychiatry, internal medicine, endocrinology, obstetrics/gynecology, cardiology, pediatrics, laboratory medicine, nuclear medicine, ophthalmology, and sleep medicine.
Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:
- Explain the diagnostic challenges associated with Graves’ Disease from a mental health perspective.
- Describe the relationship between hyperthyroidism and potential mental health disorders.
- Discuss the importance of psychosocial considerations in the treatment of hyperthyroidism (i.e. Graves; Disease).
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George J. Kahaly, MD, PhD Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology Professor of Metabolism Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center Mainz, Germany |
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Deborah F. Bump, NP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago, Illinois |
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Guest speaker: Gail Devers |
European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME)
EACCME Accreditation Statement
EACCME accreditation is pending.
EACCME Term Offering
Pending.
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
Accreditation AAFP Accreditation Statement
The AAFP has reviewed Thyroid Disease: A Mental Health Perspective and deemed it acceptable for up to 1.00 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credit(s). Term of Approval is from 05/15/2025 to 05/15/2026. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Educational Grant
This educational activity is independently produced and is financially supported with an unrestricted educational grant by QuidelOrtho.
References
Thyroid Disease: A Mental Health Perspective
If you are interested in this topic, we recommend watching episode 1 - Thyroid disease: diagnostic challenges - as well.
