Etiopathogenesis of depression in patients with alcoholism: role of changes in thyroid function.

Alcoholism poses a significant risk for the development of depression. Alcohol abuse and dependence significantly affect thyroid function. Considerable evidence suggests that minor changes in thyroid function may affect mood and behavior. The author suggests that alcohol-induced changes in thyroid function may contribute the development of depression in patients with alcoholism. Probably, alcohol-induced alterations in thyroid function are not a sufficient cause of depression. Most likely, they work in concert with inherited, acquired, and environmental risk factors. Alcohol may be particularly damaging to the impaired thyroid gland. Studies of the interrelationships between alcoholism and depression may help elucidate the causes of both.