Thyrotoxicosis & the Connection to Panic and Anxiety Disorders

Thyrotoxicosis is a thyroid disorder often confused with hyperthyroidism. For many patients, as well as healthcare providers, thyrotoxicosis seems to be synonymous with hyperthyroidism, but this is simply not the case. As a patient suffering from a thyroid disorder, it is important to understand the key health issues associated with thyrotoxicosis, including the mental health symptoms which may be common in this thyroid complication.

Thyrotoxicosis is a condition in which the patient suffers from an excessive amount of thyroid hormone in the body. Commonly, the patient who suffers from thyrotoxicosis will experience a sort of adrenaline rush in which the heart beats faster, blood pressure increases and sweating is more common. This, coupled with the onset of generalized anxiety, is quite common in the thyrotoxicosis patient as the adrenal system is placed into overdrive when excessive thyroid hormone is present in the body.

While in most patients with thyrotoxicosis, the enlargement of the thyroid gland may not be evident. However, in rare cases, a goiter may present and become as large as a grapefruit before the patient realizes treatment may be required.

Unfortunately, some patients who experience thyrotoxicosis are misdiagnosed and often referred for psychiatric counseling. Because the condition attributes to the development of panic and anxiety disorders, the referral to a mental health professional often seems appropriate. However, without treating the underlying thyroid complication, the anxiety and panic disorders will usually not resolve.