UTILITY OF THYROID-FUNCTION SCREENING IN ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC-INPATIENTS

Objective: Thyroid function abnormalities have been associated with ps ychiatric symptoms. This study examines the utility of thyroid screeni ng among adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Method: A retrospective ch art review of 196 first-time admissions to an adolescent psychiatric u nit was conducted. Charts were screened for demographics, presence/abs ence of thyroid function testing, history of thyroid disease, medicati on/illicit substance use, and other factors of influence on thyroid te sting. Thyroid test results were reviewed for abnormalities. Results: Thyroid function testing was conducted in 150 of the 196 admissions. F ifty-two patients had abnormalities, most of which were isolated abnor malities of thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine uptake (T3U). Laborator y diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and mild hypothyroidism was met by two and eight patients, respectively; five had profiles that were normal u pon subsequent testing 1 week later. None of the patients was symptoma tic, and none required thyroid supplementation or antithyroid medicati ons. Gender differences in T4 and T3U were noted, and age was positive ly correlated with T3U. Conclusions: Thyroid function tests may be spu riously abnormal in routine screening of newly admitted psychiatric pa tients. Routine thyroid screening among adolescent psychiatric inpatie nts is unwarranted except in patients who display physical signs or sy mptoms suggestive of thyroid disease.