title: Depression in primary hypothyroidism masquerading as inadequate or excessive L-thyroxine consumption.
abstract: Depression may occasionally be a presenting feature of primary hypothyroidism but the influence of psychological illness upon L-thyroxine compliance in hypothyroidism has not been specifically addressed. We report six patients with primary hypothyroidism in whom repeated thyroid function tests implied that they were not taking their L-thyroxine as prescribed. The eventual recognition of underlying depression and its treatment led to appropriate treatment with thyroxine as evidenced by clinical euthyroidism and normal thyroid function tests.
authors.affiliation: Leicester Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Exley
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: O'Malley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D013974:Thyroxine