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Abstract

Previous studies have investigated and demonstrated potential associations between thyroid disorders, common psychological problems (anxiety, stress, and depression), and HRQoL (health-related quality of life). The present study examines this relationship by using different and valid questionnaires; it investigates the adult population with hypothyroidism and both obvious and subclinical hyperthyroidism, compared to the group of healthy people. The participants in this cross-sectional research were randomly chosen from the clients of the endocrinology clinic. Based on the inclusion and non-inclusion criteria, 212 patients were studied and placed in three groups: underactive (obvious and subclinical hypothyroidism), overactive (overt thyroid and subclinical hyperactivity), and euthyroid. The mental status and health-related life quality of the participants were assessed by the 21-item scale of anxiety, depression, and stress (DASS-21) and version 2 of the short 12-point health test (SF-12v2). The obtained results show that people with thyroid disorders, including both underactive and overactive groups, have significantly higher levels of anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms (P<0.05) and lower HRQoL than their euthyroid counterparts. In addition, a more detailed analysis revealed that in participants with underactive and overactive thyroid, the psychological and physical domains of HRQoL were also seriously affected. This study showed that thyroid disorders could have a significant impact on the life quality of patients in different dimensions and lead to a decrease in mental health in an adult population.