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Review
. 2024 Sep 11;16(9):e69182.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.69182. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Thyroid Dysfunction and Bipolar Disorder: A Literature Review Integrating Neurochemical, Endocrine, and Genetic Perspectives

Sarah J Norman  1 , Ayzia C Carney  1 , Fernanda Algarin  2 , Brittany Witt  3 , Ivette M Witzel  4 , Paula M Rodriguez  4 , Moiud Mohyeldin  5
Affiliations
Review

Thyroid Dysfunction and Bipolar Disorder: A Literature Review Integrating Neurochemical, Endocrine, and Genetic Perspectives

Sarah J Norman et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Thyroid disorders are common in medicine, while bipolar disorders (BDs), though less frequent, are significant due to global prevalence, the economic burden on healthcare systems and long-term health implications, and the effects of psychiatric illness on quality of life. Clinical research has suggested thyroid hormone imbalances can cause psychiatric symptoms similar to the clinical features observed in BDs. Despite increased attention in this area of study, much remains unknown regarding how thyroid issues contribute to the development of BDs. This review explores the complex link between thyroid disorders and BDs, focusing on neurochemical dynamics, changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, and genetic factors. Furthermore, this literature review examines the importance of understanding these factors in linking both conditions and emphasizes the necessity for therapies targeting their shared underlying mechanisms.

Keywords: bipolar affective disorder; bipolar depression; genetics; hpt axis; hyperthyroidism; hypothyroidism; mania; mood disorder; thyroid hormones; thyroid pathology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. The HPT Axis and Negative Feedback Loop
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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