The consequences of misdiagnosed thyroid-related mental problems

Patients in Florida are becoming increasingly aware of the misdiagnosis of mental disorders that are actually caused by thyroid disease. A malfunctioning thyroid often presents the same symptoms as a number of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Doctors are often too prone to blame symptoms on “women’s troubles” instead of searching for a physical disease. Many symptoms of thyroid disease also mimic those found in older women going through menopause, which leads to fast and often inaccurate diagnoses and treatments.

Untreated hyperthyroid can result in depletion of norepinephrine, which causes depression and exhaustion. A hypothyroid patient can suffer from inability to think clearly, tiredness and sleepiness– all symptoms of depression. A misdiagnosis of menopausal problems is common when symptoms include emotional extremes, brain fog, anxiety or depression.

Patients whose thyroid-related mental problems are misdiagnosed often have worsening symptoms despite treatment for the diagnosed disorder. Patients may spiral downward into a serious depression, and those with bipolar disorder may show an increased severity in symptoms. The downward spiral that follows can lead to loss of income, loss of mobility and cause an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

In cases where a patient has suffered profound losses due to misdiagnosis and erroneous treatment of a thyroid disease, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for damages such as loss of wages, pain and suffering and medical expenses. A qualified personal injury attorney may be able to negotiate an equitable settlement with the at-fault parties. If a settlement cannot be reached, the attorney may be able to file a legal complaint seeking monetary damages.