Hypothyroidism and Psychotic Manifestations: Case Report

Abstract

Thyroid hormones are important for the development, maturation, and function of the central nervous system. While the association between the lack of thyroid hormones in congenital hypothyroidism and profound mental retardation is well documented (Dugbartey 1998), hypothyroidism acquired in adulthood can also manifest itself in a variety of symptoms not only somatic, but also psychiatric especially mood disorders, and anxiety. Psychotic symptoms are rare but are part of this psychic picture. We report the case of a 50-year-old female patient admitted to the psychiatric emergency department for psychomotor agitation of a psychotic appearance, revealing autoimmune hypothyroidism. This observation underlines the need not to underestimate the responsibility of the thyroid hormonal balance in the onset of psychotic manifestations, and to eliminate dysthyroidism before any psychotropic treatment.