Thyroid function in seasonal affective disorder

J Affect Disord. 1995 Jan 11;33(1):39-45. doi: 10.1016/0165-0327(94)00071-g.

Abstract

Morning serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (F-T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured in Winter-Seasonal Affective Disorder patients in nondepressed state in summer and before and after light treatment in winter. Practically all patients had hormone levels well within the reference ranges. T3 and F-T4, but not TSH, were significantly higher in winter than in summer; this is considered a normal phenomenon. There was no significant correlation between hormone levels and severity of winter depression. Light treatment did not alter serum hormone levels.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phototherapy
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder / diagnosis
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder / psychology
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder / therapy
  • Seasons
  • Thyroid Function Tests*
  • Thyroid Gland / physiopathology
  • Thyroid Hormones / blood*
  • Thyrotropin / blood
  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

Substances

  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Thyrotropin