Clinical Hypothyroidism Occurring During Lithium Treatment: Two Case Histories and a Review of Thyroid Function in 19 Patients
M. P. ROGERS M.D.1, and
P. C. WHYBROW M.D., D.P.M.2
1 Resident in Psychiatry, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, 74 Fenwood Rd., Boston, Mass. 02115
2 Professor and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, N.H.
The case histories of two individuals developing hypothyroidism during treatment with lithium carbonate are presented. A review of thyroid function in 19 patients revealed a significant decrease in PBI concomitant with lithium treatment for an average of 15 months. The authors suggest that this antithyroid effect may be of importance in the theoretical understanding of the antimanic effect of lithium; they also draw attention to the importance of assessing thyroid function and noting the use of other potentially antithyroid medications prior to and during long-term lithium treatment.
