Hypothyroidism and Somatization: Results from E-Mode Patient Self-Assessment of Thyroid Therapy, a Cross-Sectional, International Online Patient Survey
Authors' conclusion
This study demonstrates a high prevalence of pSSD among people with hypothyroidism and associations between pSSD and negative patient outcomes, including a tendency to attribute persistent symptoms to hypothyroidism or its treatment.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals with self-reported, treated hypothyroidism3,516 with valid PHQ-15
- Participants
- 3,915 individuals
- Exposure
- PHQ-15 score ≥10 vs <10
- Outcome
- Somatization assessed by PHQ-15 (prevalence of pSSD)
Methodological detailsonline, multinational, patient survey
- Online
- Multinational
- Patient survey
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Prevalence of pSSD
Prevalence of pSSD
58.6%
Median PHQ-15 score
11.3
range 0–30; CI 10.9–11.3
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Associations of pSSD with patient characteristics and outcomes
- pSSD associated with young age, women, not working, below average household income, levothyroxine (LT4) treatment (vs LT4+LT3, LT3 alone or desiccated thyroid extract), view that medication did not control symptoms well, and number of comorbidities
- P < 0.001
- pSSD associated with attribution of most PHQ-15 symptoms to hypothyroidism or its treatment, dissatisfaction with care and treatment, negative impact on daily living, and anxiety and low mood/depression
- P < 0.001
- Chi-squared tests with Bonferroni correction
Original publication
Hypothyroidism and Somatization: Results from E-Mode Patient Self-Assessment of Thyroid Therapy, a Cross-Sectional, International Online Patient Survey. Thyroid. Published 3 May 2023. doi:10.
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