[Affective pathology and the function of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-thyroid system in women with autoimmune thyroiditis].

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation tests were performed in 27 women with autoimmune thyroiditis and concomitant DSM-III-R mood disorders. Increased thyrotropin (TTH) response to TRH stimulation (delta TTH > or = 25 microU/ml) was present only in 4 (14.8%) and blunted (delta TTH < 7 microU/ml) in 12 (44.4%) patients. The problem of hyperdiagnosis of hypothyroidism due to depression and methods of treatment of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and concomitant affective disorders are discussed.