RT Journal
A1 Cohen KL, Swigar ME
T1 THyroid function screening in psychiatric patients
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1979
FD July 20
VO 242
IS 3
SP 254
OP 257
DO 10.1001/jama.1979.03300030026015
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1979.03300030026015
AB Abnormalities in levels of total thyroxine and thyroxine binding capacity were common in a group of 480 newly admitted psychiatric patients. The estimated free thyroxine (EFT4) level was elevated in 43 patients (9%). In 27 of these patients, the level of EFT4 became spontaneously normal, usually within a two-week period (acute "stress hyperthyroidism"). The level of EFT4 was decreased in 42 patients (9%). In 16 of these patients, the level became spontaneously normal; the etiology of this apparent acute hypothyroidism is unclear. The yield of new cases of primary hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism was low, but a presumptive diagnosis of secondary hypothyroidism was made in eight patients. In addition, nine patients with known thyroid disease were taking inadequate or excessive replacement therapy. Thyroid function screening tests are of value in psychiatric patients.(JAMA 242:254-257, 1979)