Using the Biopsychosocial Approach to Identify Factors Associated with Major Depressive Disorder for Individuals with Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Previous research has found that major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly occurs in hypothyroid populations. The purpose of this study was to use the biopsychosocial model to investigate factors associated with MDD and hypothyroidism by comparing hypothyroid patients with MDD and without MDD. A sample of 386 participants with hypothyroidism completed both cognitive and psychosocial self-reported assessments along with a questionnaire rating the severity of common hypothyroid symptoms. Participants were divided into two groups (MDD and no MDD) using the diagnostic criteria of the Patient Health Questionnaire. Univariate comparisons were used to assess differences in the severity of physical, psychological, and social correlates in participants with and without MDD. Participants with MDD reported significantly worse symptom severity, increased stress, and disruptions of cognitive functioning. Compared to individuals without MDD, they also indicated poorer quality of life, doctor–patient relationships, and treatment adherence. Individuals with comorbid depression and hypothyroidism reported worse outcomes across physical symptoms, social factors, and psychological and cognitive states than individuals without MDD. Integrating depression screeners and independent treatment for MDD, in addition to the patient’s hypothyroid treatment plan, may result in hypothyroid symptom relief and greater quality of life.

Ethics

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Texas State University. (#289 – Exempt 6/27/2017; Hypothyroidism: Understanding How Comorbid Symptoms, Medication Adherence, Physician–Patient Communication, and Cognitive Functioning Is Related to Quality of Life).

Conflict of interest

The authors for this study report no conflicts of interest.

Data availability statement

Data available upon request.

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by the Department of Psychology, Texas State University.