Neuropsychiatric Implications of Thyroid Hormone and Benzodiazepine Interactions

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to incorporate new research developments implying a direct interaction of thyroid hormones (TH) and benzodiazepines (BZ) at the cellular level, into our understanding of the neuroendocrinologic mechanisms involved in neuropsychiatric disorders. General information pertaining to TH endocrinology and BZ pharmacology is provided. This provides the background for the subsequent presentation of parallel basic scientific and clinical research from the TH and BZ literature. The case for endogenous benzodiazepine ligands is presented and discussed. New mechanisms of action for BZ and TH compounds are proposed.