The thyroid gland can be responsible for many mental health misdiagnoses

The thyroid gland lies just under the skin below the adam's apple(larynx).

The two halves (lobes) of the gland are connected in the middle by the isthmus - giving it the appearance of a bow tie.

The thyroid is part of the endocrine system (ductless glands which secrete hormones directly into the blood stream).

The thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) act as chemical messengers and control the speed at which all the cells of our body "metabolise"
- in other words - they are responsible for the "chemical work rate" of the cells.

T4 (Thyroxine) and T3(Tri-iodothyronine) affect body temperature and circulation, appetite, energy levels, growth, skeletal development, muscle tone and agility, cardiac rate (force and output), fluid balance, blood sugar levels, central nervous system function, bowel function, blood fat (cholesterol) levels, and the regulation of fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism in all cells.

If the thyroid is OVERACTIVE (too much T4 and T3 in the blood) or SLUGGISH (too little T4 and T3 in the blood), then our metabolism is affected - and then this leads to a manifestation of a variety of symptoms which can be easily misdiagnosed.

In particular, these can be the symptoms of DEPRESSION, ANXIETY and PANIC ATTACKS.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is UNDERACTIVE.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is OVERACTIVE.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Thyrotoxicosis):

• Palpitations, fast pulse and irregular heartbeat
• Trembling and twitches
• Heat intolerance
• Hot flushes and increased sweating
• Increased appetite (or loss of appetite)
• Weight loss (especially if eating well)
• Diarrhoea
• Anxiety, nervousness and/or panic attacks
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Thin, moist skin
• Soft, thinning hair
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle weakness
• Insomnia
• Enlarged thyroid gland
• Eye complaints (especially gritty or bulging eyes)
• Fatigue, exhaustion and lack of energy
• Menstrual cycle disturbances (intermittent and light)
• Infertility
• Depression and mood swings

Additional(less common) symptoms:

• Bowel disorders
• Brittle nails
• Chest pain
• Cramps
• Decreased libido
• Easy bruising
• Hair loss
• Headaches and migraines
• Sore throat
• Swelling of legs

If you are in any doubt.... have a thyroid function test.