Hashimoto's Disease:
When depression could be from
thyroid hormonal imbalance.


It's depressing to be depressed!

Depression has been commonly considered to be among the symptoms of hypothyroidism. This could be contributed to the general slowing down of the metabolism rate due to the decreased amount of thyroid hormones in the body and available to the brain. Others may believe it to be caused by other unknown factors. However I believe it can be caused by an imbalance of the thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

The depression caused by this imbalance is different from depression caused by serotonin imbalance or extreme stress. Consequently both types of depression is treated differently. There are a number of excellent web sites and information on depression caused by serotonin imbalance. The depression caused by thyroid hormonal imbalance needless to say decreases quickly as the proper balance of T3 and T4 is obtained which is measured by blood tests (TSH, T3 & T4 levels) which your physician would monitor and with your help regulate the proper levels.

However you may be wondering is there any differance in symptomology? I believe there is. With the hormonal imbalance, the depressive emotions come on suddenly as you can feel these negative emotions are poured in or something is rapidly draining out. This depression does not come as a result of emotional stress or from daily personal trials. The intensity of the depression seems to be at a significant level which creates considerable self doubt and questioning if an actual clinical depressive disoder has suddenly developed.

However once the proper hormonal levels of T3 and T4 are achieved, the depression quickly deminishes. A premorbid range of emotions return as well as self assurance that no depressive disorder exists. However knowledge is gained that an imbalance of T3 and T4 can produce a significant degree of depressive symptoms.



Commit to the Lord Whatever you do, And your plans will Be Successful!!! Proverbs 16:3


"I wish for you..."
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,

Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,

Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,

Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.
God Bless you!

I asked the Lord to bless you
As I prayed for you today
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way....

His love is always with you
His promises are true
No matter what the tribulation

You know He will see us through
So, when the road you're traveling on
Seems difficult at best
Give your problems to the Lord
And God will do the rest.


Links
RealAge Depression Health Assessment Are you feeling depressed? Is it depression or just a bad day?
Mind Your Mood
"If you need a mood boost, consider being more mindful.
Practicing mindfulness meditation each day may improve your mood, increase your self-awareness, and decrease stress levels. For a quick start to this art, sit quietly for 10 to 20 minutes, clearing all thoughts from your head. Focus your eyes softly on an object. Note new thoughts or sensations as they occur, but then return to your original focus."

Iampanicked.comWebsite on Depression & Anxiety Disorders. Seven Symptoms That You Are Getting Into A Depression Site gives some good info on depression but some of the information may be different from what is commonly presented in the USA. Another site Stressfocus.com Stress symptoms: Effects on Physical and Mental Health Both of these sites came to me from Britto from India. Thanks for emailing me about your sites.

Depressed patients respond well to Vitamin B Supplements "New research reports, patients who were treated for depression responded better if they had a higher level of vitamin B12 in their blood.

An increasing amount of research is looking at the association between vitamin B and depression, but the specifics have not been understood. Researchers conducted a study to look at the relationship of vitamin B12 and the treatment of depression.

The study included 115 patients who suffered from depression. Over a six-month period, researcher grouped them as to how well they responded to treatment including not at all, partially or fully. Investigators also measured the level of vitamin B12 in the patients’ blood when they first came to the clinic and again at their six-month check up. Researchers then determined if the level of vitamin B12 played a role in the patients’ outcomes.

Researchers report the patients who responded fully to treatment had higher concentrations of vitamin B12 in their blood at the start and end of the study when compared to those who did not respond to treatment. The study also found the association between vitamin B12 and the response to treatment remained even after other factors were considered such as type of treatment received, smoking and drinking habits, and if other family members suffered from depression.

Researchers say, there have been no previous studies that have suggested a positive relationship between vitamin B12 and the treatment outcome in patients with major depressive disorder who have normal or high vitamin B12 levels. However researchers say the new study supports previous research that showed patients responded better to treatment if they took vitamins B1, B2 and B6. These vitamins indirectly increase the level of vitamin B12 in these patients’ blood. Therefore, they say it appears taking vitamin B supplements may help people respond positively to antidepressants."


Seasonal Effective Disorder may be treated simply by increasing Vitamin D intake. Unfortunately the website is no longer available. Vitamin D has helped my seasonal effective disorder. I think this also works for depression anytime especially if you work inside with no windows. I purchased Vit D & Calcium (the only way I could find Vit D at the local grocery store) and have taken it for a month or so & I've noticed an improvement of my mood. I still feel down during significantly stressful times (elderly parent syndrome) but overall I am feeling less depressed.

Report: Teen depression may shrink part of brain "A new study shows the reason some adolescents experience depression could be abnormal brain structure. The study published in BioMed Central Medicine states depressed teenagers tend to have a smaller hippocampus -- the part of the brain responsible for memory, learning, emotion and motivation. Researchers from Dalhousie University and the National Research Council of Canada sampled nearly 30 adolescents between ages 13 to 18, half of who had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder."

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Teenagers with depression may have abnormal brain structure, Canadian researchers say in a new report.
Imaging studies show that adolescents with major depression tend to have a small hippocampus. This is a part of the brain associated with motivation, emotion and memory formation.
The study, done by a team at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia and the National Research Council of Canada, fits in with others that suggest depression can shrink the hippocampus.
Major stress and trauma -- both depression triggers -- can also cause the shrinkage.
Researchers Frank MacMaster and Vivek Kusumakar studied 34 teens aged 13 to 18 years old, half of whom had major depressive disorder.
They used magnetic resonance imaging to scan the volume of their left and right hippocampuses.
The hippocampuses of patients with depression were, on average, 17 percent smaller than those of the healthy volunteers, MacMaster and Kusumakar reported.
"To our knowledge this is the first published report regarding hippocampal volume in youths with early onset depression compared to healthy controls," the researchers wrote in their report, published in the online journal BioMedCentral medicine.
Other recent studies have suggested that antidepressant drugs can restore depleted brain cells. "

The benefits of being present: mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being.
"Brown KW, Ryan RM.
Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology, University of Rochester, New York 14627-0266, USA. kirk@psych.rochester.edu
Mindfulness is an attribute of consciousness long believed to promote well-being. This research provides a theoretical and empirical examination of the role of mindfulness in psychological well-being. The development and psychometric properties of the dispositional Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) are described. Correlational, quasi-experimental, and laboratory studies then show that the MAAS measures a unique quality of consciousness that is related to a variety of well-being constructs, that differentiates mindfulness practitioners from others, and that is associated with enhanced self-awareness. An experience-sampling study shows that both dispositional and state mindfulness predict self-regulated behavior and positive emotional states. Finally, a clinical intervention study with cancer patients demonstrates that increases in mindfulness over time relate to declines in mood disturbance and stress."

Consumer Drug Information Site a visitor had emailed me on antidepressants adversely effecting hypothyroidism. "Hi, and thank's for a informative webpage!
I just have some comment regarding Zoloft. Because this specific medication can give the side effects: thyroid problems!
So I don't think it's aproperiate to recommend that kind of medicin especially not Zoloft. It's not a good combination.
kind regards
annika

"Starting or stopping one of a number of prescription drugs can have an impact on your TSH. "Antidepressants -- Taking thyroid hormone replacement while taking the popular antidepressant sertraline -- brand name Zoloft -- can cause a decrease in the effectiveness of the thyroid hormone replacement, and make your TSH rise. This same effect has also been seen in patients receiving other selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as Paxil (paroxetine) and Prozac (fluoxetine). If you are on an antidepressant or thyroid hormone and your doctor wants to prescribe the other, be sure to discuss these issues."

A visitor emailed me about his doctor prescribing Cytomel for his depression. He found some information on this. Apparently some doctors do give it to help increase the effects of antidepressants when the antidepressant doesn't help enough alone.

"Linda,
I found this FAQ with some info on the Cytomel. I guess doctors do use cytomel to augment an anti depressant. Take a look I found more info but haven't read it yet. Take care,
Paul"


"If an antidepressant has produced a partial response, but has not fully eliminated depression, what can be done about it?
There are many techniques to help an antidepressant work more completely. The simplest is to increase the dose until relief is experienced or side- effects are severe. If the dose can not be increased, lithium can be added to any antidepressant to augment its effect. With all antidepressants it is possible to add small doses of stimulants such as pemoline (Cylert), methylphenidate (Ritalin), or dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) to augment the antidepressant effect. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors often work better when small doses of desipramine (Norpramin) or nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are co-administered. Thyroid hormones (Synthroid or Cytomel) may be used to augment any antidepressant. At times combinations of these techniques may be utilized."

DEPRESSION IN HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS WITH FLUOXETINE AND d-AMPHETAMINE Artical relates the effect of hashimoto's thyroiditis on depression and likely neurological changes. It also describes effective treatment for persistant depression and fatigue which remains despite treatment with antidepressants. "Psychostimulants have been demonstrated to be effective in treating apathetic, anergic geriatric patients. They have also proved useful in medically ill depressed patients as well as in the more classic syndromes of attention deficit disorder, narcolepsy, and refractory depression." "Patients with medical illnesses such as hypothyroidism where chronic fatigue is a hallmark of the illness, may benefit significantly from the activating effects of stimulating antidepressants such as fluoxetine. Additional benefits can be achieved with the use of psychostimulants which have been demonstrated to be effective in chronic severe pathological fatigue states.

Stress and Illness
Your endocrine system is responsive to physical and emotional stress, and periods of intense stress, or the relief of such stress, may have an impact on your TSH levels. Some Graves' Disease patients report, for example, that they will have a drop in TSH levels, and require higher doses of antithyroid drugs, during and after periods when they are undergoing stress, not getting proper nutrition, or are overtired due to insufficient sleep. A similar effect can take place with Hashimoto's Disease patients who see TSH rise as a result of stressors."

Depression Genes Differ Between Sexes "Depression differs in men and women. And new research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health shows that specific genes that contribute to the disease are likely behind this difference between the sexes. These findings could lead to big changes in the way the condition is treated."

What is PMDD "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD, is a distinct medical condition that affects millions of women. It happens the week or two before your period, month after month. Its many symptoms clearly interfere with your daily activities and relationships. And left untreated it can worsen with age." This often causes depressive symptoms as well.

Alternative Mental Health.com Site has several articals on the effects of medical conditions, allergies and toxins on our psychological well being. This also includes hypothyroidism.

Seasonal Effective Disorder (SAD) About 6% of the population (maybe more) suffers from depression during the winter months especially if you work inside all day and do not have a window in your office or work near outside light. This could explain your sad feelings or decreased energy in the winter months.

Seasonal Effective Disorder may be treated simply by increasing Vitamin D intake. I'll have to give this a try. So far as of 9/21/04 it's working. "In a recent issue of Nutrition Journal, researchers at the University of Toronto reported on the results of a two-part study that assessed the effect of vitamin D supplements on the sense of "winter wellbeing" in subjects who were deficient in the vitamin.

In the first phase of the study, 46 subjects were divided into two groups: One group took 600 IU of vitamin D per day (considered an adequate intake), while the second group took 4,000 IU per day (considered a high intake). Each subject completed a wellbeing questionnaire to evaluate depressive symptoms at the beginning of the study period in December 2001, and again at the end of the study in February 2002.

In the second phase, 51 subjects who were vitamin D deficient were divided into two groups to take the same doses of vitamin D supplements as in the first phase. This study period ran from December 2002 through February 2003, and the same wellbeing questionnaires were completed.

In both phases of the study, blood samples showed that vitamin D levels were considerably raised among all the subjects, and especially so in those taking the higher doses. In phase one, subjects in the high-dose group reported a significantly greater improvement in their wellbeing scores compared to the low-dose group. But in the second phase, wellbeing results were similarly - and significantly - improved in both groups."

Depression Central on Seasonal Effective Disorder This site contains a lot of links and information on SAD and various types of depression including PMS. Just go to their home page to get the information on the other depressions.

BioMednet Evolutionary Psychology. Artical discusses theory of depression as evoluntionary development and gives good information on the physiology of depression.

Against Depression, a Sugar Pill Is Hard to Beat: Placebos Improve Mood, Change Brain Chemistry in Majority of Trials of Antidepressants It may be more of the attention provided in the research than the actual medication that is the important factor.

Resisting, resolving depression " If major depression is like a boiling pot of water at risk of drying up, dysthymia is more like a long, slow simmer. Both depressions have similar symptoms that include:
Irritability
Loss of energy or interest
Diminished ability to enjoy oneself
Significant weight gain or loss
Insomnia -- or excessive sleeping
Agitated or slowed movements
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Problems concentrating or making decisions
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

With major depression, at least five of the diagnostic criteria must be met over a period of at least two weeks. With dysthymic disorder, only two criteria are required, and often at lower intensity.

"It's an ongoing, low-grade feeling that gets in the way of your activities and leads you to be more slowed down, or even stuck, than you would like," explains Brad Bernstein, Ph.D., a psychologist and performance coach and founder of Spark Avenue, a company that helps people realize their potential.

As with any illness or disorder, don't diagnose it yourself. If you experience five or more of these symptoms over a two-week period, or two symptoms for over two years, see a professional who can determine the type and severity of depression you are experiencing and recommend treatment options."

This is a very interesting and educational part of the artical.
"You've heard that carbohydrates can calm you down, and proteins perk you up, but the "ultimate food-mood nutrients" are the B vitamins, according to Deborah Kesten, M.P.H., a pioneer in the field of integrative nutrition and author of The Healing Secrets of Food (New World Library 2001).

"From diminishing depression to enhancing mental agility, the B vitamins can help," Kesten says. These include B1, B2 and B3 -- thiamine, riboflavin and niacin--along with folic acid, panthothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6) and cobalamin (B12). Look for these mood boosters in whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat, buckwheat and oats, in leafy greens like spinach, broccoli and parsley, and in pinto, lima, kidney and navy beans.

Equally important, Kesten cautions, is staying away from foods that destroy or reduce absorption of B vitamins: alcohol, caffeine and refined white sugars."
Apparently vitamin B is very critical to the brain's functioning. It apparently influences cognition & mood.

Depression: Regularly updated collections of Medscape's key clinical content. I've included a section of an artical "New Solutions for Achieving Remission in Depression" from the US Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress 2001 on this site which includes good information to consider if you, like many of us, suffers from depression.
"Considering the negative sequelae resulting from inadequate treatment of affective disorders, ongoing treatment is recommended for recurrent depression. According to M.E. Thase 30% to 50% of patients with major depression will experience a relapse during the 4 to 6 months following treatment of a depressive episode. Patients are at particularly high risk for relapse if they do not fully remit during an acute phase of treatment. He also noted that "75% to 80% of patients will experience recurrent depression during their lifetime."

The rate of recurrence may be even higher in uncontrolled clinical settings. Several possible explanations for the lack of sustained response have been posited. These include high rates of noncompliance, tolerance to the medications, worsening of the disease process, induction of cycling, emergence of comorbid medical conditions or psychosocial stressors, or the presence of substance abuse. Generic substitution may also be a factor in the loss of medication efficacy because the FDA allows for considerable bioavailability variance between different manufacturer preparations.

Comorbidity and Diagnostic Issues
Diagnostic confusion or lack of attention to comorbid conditions often results in inadequate treatment. For example, in the National Comorbidity Survey,[37] 58% of depressed patients suffered from comorbid anxiety disorders. Compared with a nondepressed population, the odds for having panic disorder increased 4 times, the odds for posttraumatic stress disorder increased 4 times, and those for social phobia increased 2.9 times. Concomitant symptoms of anxiety are not only associated with a more difficult clinical course, but also with an increased suicide risk. Therefore anxiety needs to be vigorously addressed along with the depressive symptoms in order to achieve remission.[39]

Diagnostic errors may also result in improper treatment. For example, a patient may present in the depressed phase of a bipolar illness, yet the periods of mania may have been missed by the clinician. Similarly, some patients diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may actually be suffering from bipolar disorder. The problems with attention and activity levels that often present in both of these disorders may make differential diagnosis difficult. Substance abuse may mimic a broad array of other psychiatric disorders and complicate treatment considerably.

Role of Medical Conditions
Comorbid medical conditions are associated with increased functional disability, poor self-care, and poor compliance with treatment regimens. Somatic symptoms are present in a significant proportion of depressed patients and include chest pain, joint pains, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, weakness and dizziness, among others. Kroenke and Mangelsdorff found that many of the somatic symptoms reported to physicians could not be traced to an actual organic cause. The presence of untreated psychiatric disorders has been related to such unexplained physical symptoms. A study by Bridges and Goldberg found that 83% of patients presented to primary care physicians with somatic complaints and 17% reported primarily psychological symptoms. After a diagnostic assessment was performed in these patients a correct diagnosis of depression was made in 50% of those with somatic presentations and in 94% who complained of psychological difficulties.

Aaron T. Beck's Home Page Aaron Beck developed cognitive therapy. "His work is currently supported by a 10-year M.E.R.I.T. Award from the National Institute of Mental Health and a grant from the Centers for Disease Control for a study to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of a short-term cognitive therapy intervention for suicide attempters. Since 1959 he has directed funded research investigations of the psychopathology of depression, suicide, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, alcoholism, drug abuse, and personality disorders and of cognitive therapy of these disorders. He has published over 375 articles and fourteen books."

Dr Linda Helps Dr. Linda Mintle's site. "Be encouraged. God is on your side and will fight your battles for you.
When you face a difficult situation, open your eyes to the fact that God is with you. His promise is to be on your side no matter who or what comes against you. God has given angels charge over you. Believe that God is present and on your side. If He is for us, no one can be against us. You can operate in this confidence. Be encouraged. God is on your side and will fight your battles for you. Go to him when you feel overwhelmed and need victory. Stand firm on His Word and believe He is there, ready to fight for you."

Words of Wisdom To help you cope with the "little frustrations of life" or things that triggers "stinkin thinkin". I put that page together when attempting to express my frustrations about wrong doings at work. We can always focus on the positive which helps others as well.

The Psychological Corporation Their goal is to "develop and distribute tests and related products for professionals in psychology, health, business, general education, bilingual education, special education, and other areas serving people of all ages and cultures. We are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our customers through our people, service, innovation, and technology.
The Psychological Corporation is dedicated to the pursuit of professional excellence, leadership, and growth through acquisition, development, publication, and the maintenance of quality assessment tools in order to anticipate and meet the needs of our customers."

Depression Screening.org The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) new Web site enabling people to take a confidential screening test online for depression and find reliable information on the illness. The Web site's mission is threefold -- to educate people about depression, to offer a simple and confidential way for people to get screened for the illness, and to guide people toward appropriate professional help when necessary.

Depression Scale Can be used to measure the effectiveness of medication & treatment on symptoms over a period of time.

Mental Health Association Site gives information on mental illness, news, advocacy as well as other information.

Zoloft

Paul Cheney, M.D., on SSRIs and Stimulants for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Frying the Brain? "Dr. Cheney recently came across some information regarding the dangers of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil, and stimulants like Ritalin and Provigil. During office visits, Dr. Cheney shows patients the book Prozac Backlash: Overcoming the Dangers of Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Other Antidepressants by Joseph Glenmullen, M.D., a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School. It includes endorsements from other Ivy League psychiatrists. Cheney calls the implications of this book "staggering."

When talking with patients, Cheney usually opens the book to a picture of a monkey's brain before and after it received a very potent SSRI. The "before" photo shows a dark background filled with fine white lines and white blobs, healthy neurons. The "after" photo is very dark, only a few white lines and blobs remain. Most of the brain cells had been "fried."

SSRIs and stimulants work by increasing the firing of neurons. While this often has great benefits in the short term, doctors are now realizing that long term use "fries" brain cells. The body views any neuron that fires excessively over time as damaged, and destroys it.

SSRIs and stimulants, taken over a period of 10 years or so, can lead to a loss of brain cells, causing neurodegenerative disorders. Many doctors have recently seen a sudden increase in patients with neurological symptoms, and most have been on Prozac, or a similar drug, for about 10 years. Cheney is seeing this in his own practice...

SSRIs are designed to address a lack of serotonin by blocking the reuptake channel from vacuuming up excess serotonin. While this allows more serotonin to connect with the receptors, often too much is left floating in the intersynaptic cleft. The only way the body can get rid of this excess serotonin is to oxidize it. Unfortunately, this turns it into a toxic compound that, over time, kills both the sending and receiving neurons.

Cheney stated, "What starts out as an attempt to increase serotonin and reduce symptoms ends up with the destruction of the serotonergic system itself. It takes about a decade, more in some, less in others.

Now when the serotonergic nerves are dead, you start getting these motor neuron problems, which is what we're seeing." Cheney commented."

National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association Information on mood disorders, research & support.

Internet Mental Health You can learn more about depression and other mental illness.

Many Men Need Push to Admit Depression, Experts Say "About six million men are diagnosed with clinical depression each year, but research shows they are less likely to recognize the symptoms and seek treatment than women are. They are also four times more likely than women to kill themselves.

"For generations men have been told that they have to act tough," U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona said in a statement from the NIMH.

"Today we're saying to men, it's okay to talk to someone about what you're thinking, or how you're feeling, or if you're hurting." When men get depressed, they are more likely to seek solace in drugs and alcohol, or to become discouraged, frustrated or angry, according to the NIMH. And some men "throw themselves" into their work or hobbies, in an attempt to hide their feelings from themselves and others."

Psych Education Site provides good information on the brain and various types of mental illness. It's an interesting site.

Depression Info Center Site has several interesting research articals on depression such as Vitamin B12 Deficiency Linked to Depression in Older Women "Of the 700 participants, 478 (68.3%) were not depressed, 100 (14.3) had mild depression, and 122 (17.4%) had severe depression. Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 17.3% (n=121) at the higher cutoff and 4.6% (n=32) at the lower cutoff. Folate deficiency was found in 7.1% (n=50) of all subjects.

Vitamin B12 deficiency (scored at either high or low cutoff) was present significantly more often among depressed subjects than among controls. No associations with vitamin B12 deficiency were found for mild depression, but the risk of severe depression was twice as high in women with vitamin B12 deficiency as in controls (odds ratios of 2.05 and 2.09 for high and low cutoffs, respectively). Folate deficiency was not associated with depression status.

The researchers summarized by stating, "Clinicians and other health care providers need to be aware of the high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in disabled older women, and they need to screen and treat appropriately"."

Personality and Adverse Life Events May Predict Major Depression "Carolyn M. Mazure, Ph.D., and colleagues used multivariate models to determine the effect of two types of stressful life events and two personality types upon prediction of major depressive disorder. They used two personality types from Beck's cognitive theory of depression: sociotropy (characterized by a high need for close relationships and concern about disapproval) and autonomy (characterized by an emphasis on personal independence and control). Adverse life events were categorized as negative interpersonal events (e.g., death of a family member) or negative achievement events (e.g., loss of a job).

One model to measure onset of major depression and another to measure severity of symptoms after six weeks were constructed. A cross-sectional design was used for the first model, and a prospective design was used for the second one...

For the first model, adverse life events and degree of sociotropy were significantly associated with a diagnosis of depression. Degree of autonomy and interaction between personality measures and event types were not significantly associated with this diagnosis.

After six weeks of treatment, adverse interpersonal life events, interaction between sociotropy and adverse interpersonal events, interaction between autonomy and adverse achievement events, and male gender all predicted better outcomes. Adverse achievement events were associated with worse outcomes. Degrees of sociotropy and autonomy and episode status were not significant. Socioeconomic status was not significant in either model.

In this study, men responded better to treatment than women, despite a higher occurrence of adverse achievement events. Women with recurrent depression had a significantly poorer outcome than men with either first-episode or recurrent depression. In addition, depression was nine times more likely after a major adverse event and almost three times more likely with a personality type that emphasized either concern about disapproval or need for control."

Another source of depression is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Understanding PMDD
PMDD affects 3 percent to 5 percent of menstruating women in the United States. Sufferers experience a range of mood and physical symptoms that appear the week or two before, and remit within a few days after, the start of menstruation. Symptoms of PMDD are severe enough to interfere with everyday activities or relationships.

Criteria for a PMDD diagnosis include:
Five or more of the following symptoms must occur during the week or two before the menstrual period and remit a few days after the onset of the menstrual period during most menstrual cycles in the past year: irritability, tension, depressed mood, mood swings, decreased interest in usual activities, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, marked change in appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, sense of being overwhelmed, and physical symptoms such as breast tenderness and bloating. One or more of these symptoms must be depressed mood, tension, mood swings or irritability. Symptoms must significantly interfere with everyday activities or relationships. Symptoms are not an exacerbation of another disorder. All of the above should be confirmed during at least two consecutive menstrual cycles.

Seasonal Effective Disorder My experience with SAD

A friend's struggle with hashimoto's & depressive symptoms.

"Hello, my name is Kimberly. I also have Hashimoto's disease. I would like to help you and others with what I have learned on my own as I see that you did. I would like to tell you my story in short.

I was 10 years old I had gotten really sick (viral infections in my blood and urine) because of being sick I lost a lot of weight, the doctors gave me medicines to help me gain weight. I gained weight all right. I stayed overweight for years but not enough to say that I was obese. My thyroid levels have been checked off and on since I was 10 years old. My mother doing the best that she could to help me even took me to a place to help me loose weight. It did not work either. Since those days have tried every diet you can think of, with none of them helping me.

After 19 years of living with the symptoms of Hashimoto's diease and no diagnoses. I believe that it has taken a toll on my body, not just physically but also mentally. I was 29 years old and had 2 children before being diagnosed with the disease. I have not found out that because of the disease not being treated that my children are at risk for being learning impaired. I am lucky cause nothing has lead us to believe that this has happened to my children but it is possible that it could happen. I am hoping that maybe you might add this information to your web sight because at 10 years old my TSH was 15, at 20 my TSH was 20, at 29 my TSH was 73. The reason I went all of these years is because a person at my doctors office lab never marked them properly. I wish that you would also add what a persons TSH level should be. If my mother had known what they were suppose to be I may have gotten help years ago.

I have yet to find any proof of this but when my TSH level went up I developed interal endimitrois and since then I have had to have a hystorectomy. I only wonder now if it has anything to do with the disease. I have also learned that because of taking hormones that it cause your TSH level to fall and some women may need stronger Thyroid medicine. I have been taking a kelp blend supplement and seems to help and I have not had to up my medicines since doing this and it also seems to help with the symtoms of hashimoto's disease.

I have also learned that the shampoo and conditioner Tail and Mane is great for my hair. It has the vitamins and stuff in it for your hair. Since using it my hair is not dry and brittle. At one point my husband being the kind man that he is was going to buy me a wig because I was so conscious about my hair loss. This maybe something you might want to try or let other people know about.

I do not know about you but I think the worse symtom I had was the fact when my levels got so low I was having suicidal thoughts but my family and my loving husband was there for me. But shortly after having been diagnosed with the disease I read in the paper that a women tried to commit suicide by driving down a highway the wrong way. She is in prison now because she end up killing 2 people in another car and a son and nephew. I feel for her because I have been through the same thing but I had someone there for me. She did not since her accident she has been placed on treatment so I am sure she is living in pure hell right now. I only pray that God forgives her. At the time she done this she had told friends her feeling but they did not pay attention to her and her doctor was only treating her for depression. It is really sad that people are not getting help before because doctor think that you have to be obese to have a Thyriod problem.

I hope this gives you some insight for your web page. Keep up the good work. You may also want to see about getting under just Thyroid too, I had to look up Hashimoto's to find it. I probably would have found it earlier if it was there too. I am think about trying the mind set because my mind is gone as well. In some areas.

God Bless
I hope to hear from you soon.
Kimberly"



What goes on in a depressed person's mind? Situational depression results in the person feeling overwhelmed, helpless, hopeless and often feel as if they are alone in their suffering. It's as if "everyone else is OK & I'm not OK" or "I'm worse off than everyone else". Life isn't fair & "all the bad stuff happens to me." What is commonly called "stinking thinking" in the recovering addicts/alcoholics community. This is an emailed received from a visitor in the midst of a depression."I can appreciate the long hours you must have put in to garner as much information as you did on Hashimoto's Disease and on the other diseases you researched.

I was diagnosed with HD about eight years ago at the age of 58. But, I have so many other health problems, HD is the least of them and I don't dwell on it. When I was diagnosed I was in a rehab hospital recovering from a blood clot on my spine that left me a paraplegic--I'm in a wheelchair and I'm in constant pain. I take a very expensive pain medication, Ultram, which just recently came out in the generic form, Tramadol; however, it too is quite expensive. That's just one of the medications I have to buy and take and no, I don't always have the money for my medications, so I don't take them. Somehow I manage to pay for my pain medication--it isn't even a narcotic because narcotics don't touch central (neuropathic) pain. The pain is far more restrictive than my inability to walk.

Yes, I'm extremely depressed, but I doubt it's from HD; it's from the loss of my ability to walk and the loss of my life as I once knew it. I'm depressed because I suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder because I was abused for the first 17 years of my life, which has left me with selective amnesia. I'm depressed because I lost my one and only sibling, a brother, to brain cancer a few years ago. I'm depressed because my mother is in a local nursing home with Alzheimer's Disease. I'm depressed because there's only me to look after my mother and to see to her needs and to see to my own at the same time. I'm depressed because after my SCI, I had to spend down my assets in order to receive disability from Social Security, so everything I had worked and saved for is gone. Now in order to receive state support I can't have more than $2,000 in the bank; it's been a long, long time since I had $2,000 in the bank! My income (now just plain old Social Security) is pitiful and puts me in the ranks of the poor.

In a nutshell, I think you are overthinking and overreacting to Hashimoto's Disease--it ain't that big a thing!!!!"


I did email her some information on patient assistance programs to help with her situation as well as other resources to help give her encouragement & support. Do pray for her. We all get depressed (90% of women experience clinical depression) & many people feel uncomfortable around depressed people so they tend to keep their distance which only adds to the feelings of isolation and rejection. "It's depressing to be depressed."

Good news. The last time I got an email from her, she seemed less depressed and did share openly some of her feelings and experiences. She is a very gifted and talented person but does grieve the loss of her health & abilities. Do continue to pray for her.

Worldly Ways What goes though the mind of a depressed person? Well unfortunately I seem to have more than my fair share of depressive feelings lately so I'll add my "stinkin' thinkin'" thoughts here & other tidbits I come across that reflects the negative thinking that a depressed person can identify with.

A visitor to my site wanted to share information his wife discovered about depression. I haven't done the research but did thought I'ld pass it along in case anyone may find it helpful. Right now I am going through a period of staying off all my vitamins & meds except for the thyroid pills, multivitamin & antidepressant. Sometimes mixing too many pills (OTC, prescription, vitamins & supplements) can have an adverse effect, especially for those with sensitive biochemistry.
"Quit note that might help your depression.
http://www.americannutrition.com/NOW_Foods/5-HTP_100mg.htm
I am not a doctor and my wife is not a doctor. But my wife is a retired x-ray tech who spent life with depression until she did her own research and found NO other meds work nor did any other herbs work. Then she researched 5-htp and the effects of serotonin for over 5 years and came up with the logical conclusion of why http should work for her. Do your own research and the latter key words and you will see if this will work for yourself.

She takes 400 mg a day for past 10 years and believe me .... It worked for her. I can see it work too!

She is now having here Ts checked for the thyroid issue to see why she is over weigh and has "fibromyalgia" was the added cause as well all these years.

At this stage of our research I think we are dealing with 2 (Possibly) separate problems. Thyroid and serotonin deficiency. But I have yet to find verify this theory. Do not be surprised if you do not see 5-htp shown as solving depression per say. Why it is documented that lack of serotonin can be the cause of some depression it take logic to put together the fact that 5-htp does increase serotonin in your brain so she put 2+2 together and tried this theory and it worked for her.

My next question would be to check if 5-htp to see if it effects the Ts tests ...

Hope this helps.
Cole"

Making Personal Connections Joanne is a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist and mother of three grown children. She shares her experience with depression and how she copes with it.


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