October 2024

Is There a Link Between Hypothyroidism and Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition distinguished by extreme mood shifts. Hypothyroidism is a state in which a person suffers from abnormally low thyroid gland activity, resulting in metabolic changes in adults. The symptoms between these two illnesses are remarkably similar, which leads to misdiagnoses and improper treatment.  Our holistic approach to mental health encourages us to consider how underlying physical conditions, like hypothyroidism, might impact mental health disorders. By understanding how hypothyroidism can exacerbate or even mimic symptoms of bipolar disorder, we gain new insights into the importance of a whole-body approach to managing mental health. Understanding the Connection Between the Thyroid and Mental Health The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, produces hormones that regulate energy, metabolism, and mood. The body’s ability to regulate these essential functions diminishes when the thyroid is not performing sufficiently, as in hypothyroidism. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, depression, memory problems, weight gain, and slowed cognitive function.   Thyroid dysfunction can directly impact mental health by disrupting neurotransmitter balance, affecting mood stability and cognition. Since neurotransmitters are essential for mood regulation, an underperforming thyroid can lead to symptoms that overlap significantly with mood disorders like bipolar disorder. This overlap can often result in misdiagnoses, where individuals with hypothyroidism might be diagnosed with bipolar disorder when, in reality, addressing their thyroid dysfunction could alleviate their mental health symptoms. In the case that hypothyroidism is a comorbidity, addressing the thyroid gland can significantly lower bipolar symptoms. Symptoms Overlap Between Hypothyroidism and Bipolar Disorder There is a significant overlap in symptoms between hypothyroidism and bipolar disorder, particularly in the depressive phase. Many symptoms of hypothyroidism—such as fatigue, irritability, cognitive slowing, and depression—can also be present in bipolar disorder.This overlap can be particularly challenging when it comes to diagnosis. For instance, during a depressive phase, a person with bipolar disorder may experience severe fatigue, weight changes, and low mood—all of which are also common in hypothyroidism. Conversely, untreated or undiagnosed hypothyroidism may cause mental health symptoms that are wrongly attributed to bipolar disorder, leading to treatment that addresses symptoms without tackling the underlying cause. Unfortunately, in cases where hypothyroidism is undiagnosed, individuals might receive mood stabilizers or antidepressants, which can be ineffective or even counterproductive if thyroid issues remain unaddressed.  Hypothyroidism’s Impact on Neurotransmitters and Mood One key area of research in modern psychiatry is the role of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and norepinephrine, in mood regulation. Hypothyroidism affects the brain’s ability to produce and regulate these neurotransmitters, leading to emotional instability and cognitive difficulties, which may present as symptoms similar to bipolar disorder.  Low thyroid hormone levels can cause a reduction in dopamine, the neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of motivation and pleasure. This decrease in dopamine can result in anhedonia — a loss of interest in enjoyable activities—, low motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. Meanwhile, low serotonin levels, often seen in hypothyroidism, contribute to depression and anxiety. This hormonal imbalance can create the emotional rollercoaster that individuals with bipolar disorder frequently experience.  A Holistic Path to Healing In conventional medicine today, endocrinologists will administer medication and supplements like selenium for individuals with hypothyroidism. At BP Harmony, we are a proponent of integrative, root-cause medicine, advocating for approaches that consider the whole person rather than merely treating symptoms. We argue that conventional treatments often overlook underlying physical causes, like hypothyroidism, that may be contributing to mental health issues.  Hence, we recommend a comprehensive approach for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder that involves screening for thyroid dysfunction alongside other underlying health conditions that might be influencing mental health. Our approach includes working with integrative medicine physicians, making nutritional changes, detoxification, and lifestyle modifications supporting thyroid and mental health.  Nutritional Support for the Thyroid: Diet is one of the foundational elements we emphasize for supporting thyroid health. We suggest minimizing processed foods, refined sugars, and inflammatory substances, which can contribute to hypothyroidism. Instead, a diet rich in whole foods, notably those high in iodine, selenium, and zinc, can support thyroid function. Sea vegetables, seafood, nuts, and whole grains offer nutrients that boost thyroid health, which may positively impact mood stability. Moreover, consider eliminating gluten and dairy, as these two food types are often at the root of thyroid dysfunction. Learn more about the best diet for bipolar disorder here. Detoxification: Toxins such as heavy metals and endocrine disruptors (often found in household chemicals and certain foods) can impair thyroid function. We encourage reducing exposure to these toxins by opting for natural cleaning products, avoiding plastic containers, and choosing organic foods when possible. Detoxification practices such as sweating through exercise or sauna use and consuming antioxidant-rich foods can help the body eliminate these harmful substances. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Chronic stress negatively affects both thyroid and mental health, with elevated cortisol levels inhibiting thyroid hormone production. BP Harmony’s approach includes stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to lower cortisol levels and support thyroid health. By reducing stress, individuals can foster an environment where mental and thyroid health can improve. Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies: Hypothyroidism is sometimes linked to deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin D, B12, and iron. The latest medical research from Harvard Medical School and Cleveland Clinic recommends getting tested for deficiencies and supplementing as necessary, as these nutrients play a critical role in thyroid function and neurotransmitter synthesis. Addressing these nutritional needs through food and supplements if they are incredibly deficient can support overall mood stability and energy levels. The Path Forward This blog post begins to shed light on the intricate relationship between hypothyroidism and bipolar disorder. By understanding how thyroid health can influence mood and mental well-being, individuals with bipolar disorder may have the opportunity to address an underlying physical cause of their symptoms, potentially improving mood stability and overall quality of life.If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder and exhibits symptoms of hypothyroidism, it may be worthwhile to explore this connection with a

Severe Psychosis & Bipolar Disorder – Are They Linked? Living with bipolar disorder often means dealing with extreme mood swings. People with this condition can feel the fast, dizzy excitement of mania and the deep, heavy sadness of depression. In this blog post, we will talk about one serious effect of bipolar disorder: psychosis. When someone has their first manic episode and doesn’t know they have bipolar disorder, they might feel very energetic, super confident, and like nothing can stop them. These feelings can make them sleep very little, believe they are more important than they really are, spend too much money, and act in unusual ways. Staying in this high-energy state can be dangerous. If you add stress, drug or alcohol use, or trauma, the person could develop psychosis. The relationship between bipolar disorder and psychosis makes life even harder for people with this condition. To understand this better, let’s look at the main ways these two experiences connect. For more guidance on bipolar disorder, check out our book and masterclass to reclaim control of your life. You can also check out our free resources.  Panic Amid the Chaos: A First Look at Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis The Oxford Dictionary says psychosis is “a severe mental condition in which thought and emotions are so affected that contact is lost with external reality.” This means that if someone with mania loses touch with what is real, they have reached a psychotic state. For people with bipolar disorder, going back and forth between mania and depression can feel confusing and overwhelming. Now, imagine how much scarier it gets when they also start to lose touch with reality. This is what happens when someone has a manic episode with psychotic features. When a person experiences psychosis, they might feel stuck in a storm of fear and confusion. They can’t always tell the difference between what is real and what is not. Panic often takes over. Some people say they feel chased by thoughts, images, or sounds that aren’t really there. This can cause them to act in ways that are unusual, unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous. Psychosis and Mania When we talk about bipolar disorder, especially in its most serious forms, we are talking about more than just mood swings. Sometimes, mania can become much more severe and include psychotic features. This means someone with mania might not only feel overly happy, irritable, or full of energy, but they could also lose touch with reality. For some people, this means they hear voices or see things that aren’t really there  (hallucinations). Others might have delusions, which are strong beliefs that aren’t true. For example, a person might believe they are the president while sitting in their living room, or think they have been chosen to save the world. These hallucinations and delusions feel completely real to the person, even if others around them are confused or worried. Some people with psychosis believe they see secret messages in lights, colors, numbers, or even videos online. This can make their thoughts and actions feel confusing and out of control, and it can be very hard for them to come back to reality. It’s important to know that bipolar mania with psychotic features is not rare. More than half of people with bipolar disorder will experience psychosis at some point in their lives. Psychosis and Depression Psychosis usually happens more often during manic episodes, but it can also show up during very bad depressive episodes. This means a person with bipolar disorder might go back and forth between deep depression and mania, and sometimes have psychotic symptoms during both. When someone is in a major depressive episode, they might feel extremely hopeless, guilty, or worthless. If psychosis happens at the same time, these feelings can turn into strong false beliefs or seeing and hearing things that make the negative thoughts worse. For example, a person might believe they caused something terrible to happen, or they might hear voices telling them to do something harmful. Sometimes, they may even see or hear memories that are so real, it feels like they are living through the scary event again, which can cause a lot of fear and panic. These strong mood swings and psychotic symptoms can make bipolar disorder very unpredictable and dangerous. It’s not just about feeling really happy or really sad; it’s also about the risk of losing touch with reality during both mania and depression, which makes bipolar disorder much more serious than just a mood problem. Guardrails to Protect Against Psychosis For people living with bipolar disorder, especially when psychosis is involved, it’s very important to manage the condition well. Doctors usually treat bipolar disorder with medication like mood stabilizers (such as lithium or valproate) and antipsychotics. These medicines help control mood swings and psychotic symptoms. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is also helpful. It teaches people how to spot triggers, handle stress, and develop coping skills for dealing with mania, depression, and psychosis. Family and friends play a big role in helping someone with psychosis. Experts suggest that a person the individual trusts should: Listen carefully and notice if their thoughts don’t match reality. Ask if these thoughts are new or if they’ve always had them. If the thoughts are new, gently point out that things have changed. Show concern and invite the person to think about how their life has changed. Offer support by saying you’ll help them figure things out together, instead of just saying they need help. Telling someone they need help might make them push others away. It can be very hard for someone deep in psychosis to realize they’re not seeing reality. That’s why it’s important for a trusted person, psychiatrist, and therapist to work together. If the person is at risk of hurting themselves or others, it’s safest to get them proper medical care right away—sometimes this means going to the hospital. Conclusion The link between bipolar disorder and psychosis is complex. Not everyone with bipolar disorder will have psychotic symptoms, but for