Exploring the Genetic Link Between Thyroid Dysfunction and Common Psychiatric Disorders: A Specific Hormonal or a General Autoimmune Comorbidity

Abstract

Background: The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis coordinates brain development and postdevelopmental function. Thyroid hormone (TH) variations, even within the normal range, have been associated with the risk of developing common psychiatric disorders, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: To get new insight into the potentially shared mechanisms underlying thyroid dysfunction and psychiatric disorders, we performed a comprehensive analysis of multiple phenotypic and genotypic databases. We investigated the relationship of thyroid disorders with depression, bipolar disorder (BIP), and anxiety disorders (ANXs) in 497,726 subjects from U.K. Biobank. We subsequently investigated genetic correlations between thyroid disorders, thyrotropin (TSH), and free thyroxine (fT4) levels, with the genome-wide factors that predispose to psychiatric disorders. Finally, the observed global genetic correlations were furthermore pinpointed to specific local genomic regions. Results: Hypothyroidism was positively associated with an increased risk of major depressive disorder (MDD; OR = 1.31, p = 5.29 × 10 −89 ), BIP (OR = 1.55, p = 0.0038), and ANX (OR = 1.16, p = 6.22 × 10 −8 ). Hyperthyroidism was associated with MDD (OR = 1.11, p = 0.0034) and ANX (OR = 1.34, p = 5.99 × 10 − ⁶). Genetically, strong coheritability was observed between thyroid disease and both major depressive ( r g = 0.17, p = 2.7 × 10 − ⁴) and ANXs ( r g = 0.17, p = 6.7 × 10 − ⁶). This genetic correlation was particularly strong at the major histocompatibility complex locus on chromosome 6 ( p < 10 − ⁵), but further analysis showed that other parts of the genome also contributed to this global effect. Importantly, neither TSH nor fT4 levels were genetically correlated with mood disorders. Conclusions: Our findings highlight an underlying association between autoimmune hypothyroidism and mood disorders, which is not mediated through THs and in which autoimmunity plays a prominent role. While these findings could shed new light on the potential ineffectiveness of treating (minor) variations in thyroid function in psychiatric disorders, further research is needed to identify the exact underlying molecular mechanisms.

Low triiodothyronine syndrome and depression: a cross-sectional study in the elderly based on comprehensive geriatric assessment

“…The absence of nocturnal TSH surges has been noted in depressed patients, and lower basal TSH levels have been reported more in patients with major depression than in those without major depression [18]. Genetically, a strong coherence was observed between thyroid disease and both major depressive disorders, and this genetic correlation was particularly strong at the major histocompatibility complex locus on chromosome 6 [19]. However, an observational study suggested that depressive symptoms should not be attributed to minor variations in thyroid function [20].…”

Increased Psychological Symptoms and Autonomic Arousal in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Case–Control Study

“…Furthermore, hypothyroidism can also impair cognitive functions [4], which can hinder the brain's ability to support higher functions due to inadequate energy consumption [5]. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in the adult brain, and it is widely accepted that clinical hypothyroidism can lead to psychological [6,7] and psychiatric symptoms [8][9][10], as well as autonomic imbalance [11].…”

Response to Mooij and van Trotsenburg re: “Exploring the Genetic Link Between Thyroid Dysfunction and Common Psychiatric Disorders: A Specific Hormonal or a General Autoimmune Comorbidity”

“…O ur publication in the February issue of Thyroid 1 has led to a lively discussion on the relations between thyroid (dys)function, psychiatric disorders, and its potential genetic and autoimmune underpinnings. In an accompanying commentary Nygaard systematically reviewed pitfalls in available literature and knowledge gaps to overcome.…”