How to Treat Panic Attacks in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients

A doctor visit is the crucial first step in combating anxiety caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland that can lead to panic attacks. Anxiety is very common among Hashimoto's patients. Hashimoto's thyroiditis affects a patient's mental health because adequate levels of thyroid hormones allow for correct functioning of chemicals within the brain. Psychiatric issues are often the first reported sign of hypothyroidism, occurring as the beginning symptoms in approximately 2 to 12 percent of reported cases.

Instructions

Treatment of Panic Attacks in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients

1. 

   Blood work is necessary for a patient's TSH levels to be determined.

   Get a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis from a doctor (made through an analysis of TSH levels in blood work, which is confirmed by positive blood tests of thyroid antibodies), and begin treatment immediately. Treatment consists of taking specific medications used to manage hormone levels in the gland. In some cases the medication will reduce or get rid of the panic attacks.

2. 

   Prescription medication such as antidepressants may be used to treat anxiety.

   Take anti-anxiety medication while you wait for your TSH levels to become regulated by the thyroid medication, if this is recommended by your doctor. It may be necessary, as thyroid levels may not become optimal for months after you begin treatment.

3. Continue thyroid medication for hormone replacement therapy. This is typically needed for the rest of a patient's life. Blood work needs to be done fairly often at the beginning of thyroid treatment. Once the correct medication dosage is determined, you will need to have blood work done periodically as recommended by your doctor to ensure that your thyroid levels are in the target range.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult a doctor for any medical condition. Only a doctor can do the required blood work to determine if a patient has Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

References

• The Gemini Geek: How To Treat Panic Attacks In Hashimoto Thyroiditis Patients?
• BellaOnline: Anxiety & Panic Attacks in Hypothyroid Patients

Resources

• Dr. Richard C. W. Hall Publications: Anxiety and Endocrine Disease