Life events, daily stresses and coping in patients with Graves' disease

Abstract

Summary: OBJECTIVE The contribution of stress to the aetiology of Graves' disease (GD) remains controversial. We have therefore examined life events, dally stress and coping in patients with this disease. We wished to determine whether the clinical presentation of Graves' hyperthyroidism is associated with preceding stressful events.DESIGN A prospective controlled study. Ninety‐five patients with newly diagnosed GD were compared to matched controls.METHOD A self‐reporting questionnaire recalling life events, dally stress and coping In the twelve months preceding the diagnosis.RESULT More Graves' disease patients than controls reported negative events (PPPPP<0·0001).CONCLUSION Patients with Graves' disease experienced greater psychological stress and adverse events prior to the onset of the disease. As stress may alter the immune system, it could play an important role in precipitating the disease in subjects predisposed to auto‐immune thyroid disorders.