Diagnosis of co-morbid axis-I psychiatric disorders among women with newly diagnosed, untreated endocrine disorders

Abstract

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other selected axis-I disorders among women with newly diagnosed, untreated endocrine disorders. Methods. Two hundred and eighteen consecutive women, aged 18–65, with newly diagnosed, untreated endocrine disorders were referred for potential diagnosis of co-morbid axis-I disorders with the use of the Structured Clinical Interview for Axis I-Patient Edition (SCID-P). The SCID-P was re-administered after 12 weeks. Results. At baseline, 64 (29.3%) women met criteria for at least one axis-I disorder. Women who were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism were more likely to meet criteria for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder than women without hyperthyroidism. Nine of 154 (5.8 %) women who did not meet criteria for an axis-I disorder at baseline met criteria for at least one axis-I disorder during follow-up. Among them, the presence of diabetes mellitus was statistically correlated with a higher probability of developing major depressive disorder at follow-up. Conclusions. Although preliminary, our findings are consistent with previous studies and suggest an increased prevalence of MDD and other axis-I disorders among women with newly diagnosed endocrine disorders, providing further evidence suggesting that women with endocrine abnormalities may be at increased risk of depression and/or anxiety disorders.

Key words::

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• axis-I psychiatric disorders
• endocrine disorders
• co-morbidity
• newly diagnosed
• screening

Acknowledgements

None.

Statement of interest

All authors report that they have no conflict of interest.