hyperthyroidism-symptoms

Is it Manic Depressive Psychosis? Check Thyroid hormone levels

Hyperthyroidism is associated with a different set of symptoms. People with this disorder
sleep with difficulty and sleep much less than normal. Unlike hypothyroid patients,
they exhibit manic-depressive behavior as the TH levels drive their energy levels beyond their physical limits.

In fact, thyroid hormone testing is routine at psychiatric admission for suspected manic-depressive patients. Lithium, a common treatment for manic-depression, is known to depress T3 in the brain back to normal levels.

Hyperthyroidism causes accelerated heart rate and fatigue, even when patients are at rest. It produces lower exercise tolerance because protein and fat catabolism are accelerated, resulting in build-up of ketones. Hyperthyroid people often show a fine tremor in their hands. They have higher resting heart rates, but not higher maximum heart rates for exercise, in comparison to normal subjects. Some experience thyroid storms--high overloads of thyroid hormones that accelerate their heart rate to as high as 300 beats a minute. This is a very life-endangering condition and can result in arrhythmia or heart attack.

Some drugs cause a temporary TH imbalance. Caffeine and other stimulants interfere with T3 and adrenal hormone metabolism while in the body. Smoking depresses TH levels and produces an chronic underlying hypothyroidism as well as low adrenal hormone levels. The hormonal imbalances due to smoking may contribute to the severity of withdrawal symptoms in smokers trying to quit. Research shows that nicotine increases the synthesis of T3 from T4 in the brain, while alcohol and opiates block the breakdown of T3 in the brain2. Research into thyroid hormone's role in addiction might lead to better treatment and prevention of drug addiction3.

Thyroid Hormone Disorders