Vol 2 - Iss 2 - Article - Thyroid Hormones – Modulators of Mood and Brain Activity in Affective Disorders #88

Thyroid Hormones – Modulators of Mood and Brain Activity in Affective Disorders Michael Bauer1,2, MD, PhD, and Peter C. Whybrow2, MD Affiliations: 1Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany; 2Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Michael Bauer, MD, PhD Charité University Medicine Berlin Campus Mitte Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Charitéplatz 1 10117 Berlin Germany Phone: +49-30-450-51 70 70 Fax: +49-30-450-51 79 62 E-mail: michael.bauer@charite.de Abstract Objectives: To review the evidence for the use of thyroid hormones to treat mood disorders and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Methodology: Qualitative review of the evidence published up to September 2006. Results: Both thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and levothyroxine (L-T4) were studied as adjunct medications to augment antidepressant treatment. T3 was studied for accelerating clinical response in depression. L-T4 was also studied as an adjunct medication to mood stabilizers in the long-term treatment (relapse prevention) of recurrent mood disorders. The influence of the thyroid system on neurotransmitters that putatively play a major role in the regulation of mood and behavior, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine, may contribute to the mechanisms of action. Studies using PET imaging in bipolar illness and hypothyroidism suggest that thyroid hormones modulate regional glucose metabolism in the mature brain. Conclusion: Larger RCTs are needed to clarify the role of thyroid hormones in the treatment of mood disorders. Brain imaging technology promises new insights into the neurobiological functions of thyroid hormones in the brain. Key words: thyroid hormone, levothyroxine, depression, bipolar disorder, positron emission tomography, brain imaging Details   Price: €10.00 Options   Quantity 1 (this product is downloadable)  Add to cart

Send to friend

Your name: * Your e-mail: * Recipient's e-mail: *  Send to friend