THE APPLICATION OF TRIIODOTHYRONINE IN THE TREATMENT OF MENTAL DISORDERS

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Abstract
The general lassitude, irritability, somnolence and decreased mental alertness which often accompany hypometabolism may cause the patient to be treated symptomatically for depression, while the thyroidal metabolic state is overlooked. In the 10 patients here described these psychic symptoms predominated. An empirical trial with liothyronine quickly brought about an improvement in their condition. The good responses may have resulted from a correction of a hypometabolic state showing symptoms common to both the depressive and the hypometabolic condition. Of the 10 patients, only 2 remained in the hospital. Of the 24 patients treated with Cytomel (liothyronine) during the period from Sept., 1956 to Sept., 1957, 17 were discharged and the majority of the remainder are improved. Of the 17 discharged patients, 15 remained out of the hospital 1 year or more after discharge. Since liothyronine acts more quickly than thyroxine, is absorbed and eliminated more quickly and its activity is much more potent thanthyroxine''s, it is superior to desiccated thyroid or L-thyroxine for empirical trial in psychiatry. In the doses used no untoward effects were encountered during and after the trial.

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