Kathmandu, May 19

A study has revealed that anxiety and depression are very common among thyroid disorder patients in the country.

Research conducted by Binu Gorkhali, a lecturer at Nepal Institute of Health Sciences, and her team, revealed this. They had conducted the research on 129 thyroid disorder patients at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. All the patients were above 20 years of age.

Depression was prevalent in 42.6 per cent patients whereas, anxiety was prevalent in 50.4 per cent patients.

From among the patients, depression prevalence was significantly high in females. Around 47.1 per cent of women were found to be suffering from depression while only 25.9 per cent male patients suffered depression.

Various diseases can affect mental health of people. “There is a co-relation between thyroid, anxiety and depression.

People are likely to suffer from anxiety and depression when they suffer from thyroid disorder as hormones released from thyroid gland regulates central and peripheral nervous system and as there is a problem in the regulation of hormones, the nervous systems too is affected.”

Irritability, moodiness, nervousness, hyperactivity, trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating are common symptoms among thyroid patients,” said Dr Mrigendra Amatya.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ located in the base of the neck which releases hormones that control metabolism.

“Though the research is conducted in a small group of patients from one hospital, an extensive field-based country-wise epidemiological studies are necessary to provide accurate information on connection between thyroid dysfunction, anxiety and depression,” said Dr Mrigendra Amatya.