Depressive symptoms in hypothyroid disorder with some observations on biochemical correlates

Lumbar punctures and ratings of depressive symptoms were done in hypothyroi d patients before and during L-thyroxine therapy. Before treatment, the mos t prominent symptoms were concentration difficulties, lassitude, and reduce d sexual interest. All patients suffered from sleep disturbances. Suicidal thoughts did not occur at all. Inner tension was negatively correlated with the anxiogenic cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) in the cerebrospinal f luid (CSF), while reduced sexual interest was negatively correlated with CS F tryptophan. Furthermore, failing memory correlated negatively with T3 as well as T4 in serum. A positive correlation was found between failing memor y and serum TSH. All patients improved significantly during treatment. No b iochemical correlates were found. In conclusion, hypothyroidism is associat ed with major depressive symptoms. CSF CCK-4 and tryptophan, as well as ser um thyroid hormones, may constitute biochemical correlates for some of thes e symptoms, Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG. Basel.