Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms among Adults with Overt Hypothyroidism on Treatment in Riyadh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: There is strong associated between depression and hypothyroidism. People with a chronic disease and on lifelong medication are more likely to have poorer mental health than those with no illnesses. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms in adults with overt hypothyroidism on treatment in primary care clinics in Riyadh. Methods and findings: Cross-sectional study of 369 patients with overt hypothyroidism visiting primary care clinics and endocrine outpatient clinics at in Prince Mohammed bin Abdul-Aziz hospital .Data were collected using an the Arabic validated version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for screening of depression among the participants . Prevalence of depression among adult patients with hypothyroidism on treatment was 56.1% . It was moderately severe and severe among 58.7% and 33.3% of depressed patients. Conclusions: Depression is a common health problem among patients with overt hypothyroidism on thyroxin treatment , majority of patients has moderately severe to severe depression. Depression was more observed among older (≥40 years), female, divorced/widowed and lower educated patients compared to their counterparts. Also, it was more reported among patients with longer duration of hypothyroidism. No association was observed with levels of TSH and thyroxin hormones.