The biopsychosocial model and hypothyroidism

Abstract

This paper comments on the role and emergence of the biopsychosocial model in modern medical literature and health care settings. The evolution of the biopsychosocial model and its close association with modern pain theory is also examined. This paper seeks to discuss the place of this model with respect to the management of hypothyroidism. This discussion represents a forerunner to a randomised control trial that will seek to investigate the effect of a biopsychosocial-based treatment regime on hypothyroidism.

The impact of gastrointestinal conditions on psychosocial factors associated with the biopsychosocial model of health: A scoping review

“…This association needs to be further explored and better understood. Further use of Engel's (1977) BPS model of health in research into GI conditions could result in changes to research, practice and policy, such as reducing the reliance on medications, instead assisting with the development and application of psychosocial treatments for IBS and IBD (Brown et al, 2005). Encouraging results have been observed with the use of cognitive behavioural therapy for IBD patients, with decreased self‐reported anxiety and depression (Jordan et al, 2018), and also mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy, which can decrease symptoms of IBS while increasing QOL (Henrich et al, 2020).…”

Effects of hypothyroidism on programmed cell death in forebrain structures of the rat during development and in the adult

“…The placenta plays a key role in the transfer of hormones and factors other than T4 that have an impact on thyroid function. In the first half of pregnancy, maternal T4 provides an important source of hormone for the developing fetus (Brown et al, 2005;Ahmed et al, 2008).…”

“…Primary hypothyroidism follows a dysfunction of the thyroid gland itself, whereas secondary hypothyroidism results from the dysfunction of metabolic or messenger pathways associated with thyroid hormone production and metabolism (Kirsten, 2000;Shagam, 2001;Guha et al, 2002;Ahmed et al, 2008). Primary hypothyroidism is characterised by reduced free T4 levels and elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (Brown et al, 2005). Also, the most prevalent cause of hypothyroidism is a defective development of the hypothalamus or pituitary leading to multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies, while defects of hypothalamic and pituitary peptides and their receptors have rarely been identified as the cause of congenital hypothyroidism (Grueters et al, 2002).…”