ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, September 11, 1996 TAG: 9609130106
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
Research by Paula Stanley, a counselor education professor at Radford University, has found that some people who are diagnosed as depressed may actually have an underactive thyroid, a gland that regulates body growth and metabolism.
Her results will be published in the April 1997 issue of the "Journal of Mental Health."
An estimated 5 percent to 10 percent of Americans have the most common form of hypothyroidism. The figure is 13 percent of older people, and 15 percent of older, postmenopausal women.
Hypothyroidism's symptoms include low mood and energy, decreased concentration, poor memory and loss of interest and pleasure. Those conditions also are symptoms of depression. Hypothyroidism also may be manifested by physical symptoms like fatigue, poor muscle coordination, delayed reflexes, weight gain, fluid retention, cold intolerance, muscle spasm and puffy and dry skin.
Stanley recommends that mental health counselors conduct family medical history interviews and assess a client's physical conditions, information which can determine the need for a medical referral.
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