THE OCCURRENCE AND TREATMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM AMONG ALCOHOLICS

Abstract

In 33 alcoholic patients, thyroid function was estimated clinically and the results compared with laboratory findings using standard thyroid function tests and also the response of the serum PBI level to administration of TSH. Twenty-one (64 percent) of patients were found to be thyroid-deficient in varying degree. When treated with desiccated thyroid (180 mg. daily on the average) or 1-triiodothyronine (100 [mu]g. daily, average), impressive results were obtained both in regard to improvement of hypometabolic symptoms and drinking patterns. Fifteen patients (46 per cent) had an "excellent" response, eight (24 per cent), a "good" response; and ten (30 per cent), a "fair" or "poor" response. As judged by curtailment of drinking, hypothyroid patients responded better than did euthyroid patients; sudden discontinuation of medication exacerbated the symptoms of alcoholism in several patients. An interrelationship between alcoholism and thyroidal hypofunction is postulated and discussed; several cause-and-effect mechanisms are explored. It is concluded that the presence of thyroid hormone deficiency is an important (but not the only) factor for consideration in the treatment of alcoholism, and that correction of the hypothyroid state with proper hormonal therapy appears to be a logical way to prepare the patient, both physically and mentally, for achievement of the maximal benefit from psychotherapy.