Thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism) is a classic psychosomatic syndrome, the presence of which is associated with an increased content of thyroid hormones in the blood. The most common cause of thyrotoxicosis is diffuse toxic goiter (DTG) - it accounts for 80% of all cases of thyrotoxicosis.
Patients with this disease complain of general weakness, increased irritability, nervousness and slight excitability, sleep disturbance, sometimes insomnia, sweating, poor tolerance for elevated ambient temperature, tremor, palpitations, sometimes pain in the heart of a stabbing or squeezing nature, increased appetite and despite this - weight loss, diarrhea.
Disorders of the emotional sphere in thyrotoxicosis come to the fore. They are found in almost all patients. There is increased affective lability. Mood lability is accompanied by constant internal tension, restlessness, anxiety. Patients may commit inconsistent and unmotivated actions.
In the literature on hyperthyroidism, the role of mental trauma and emotional stress in the development of the disease has been repeatedly emphasized due to the influence on the body's immune system. Hyperthyroidism often develops following strong experiences and acute life difficulties, in the presence of a constitutional predisposition and appropriate family relationships in the early childhood of the patient. The death of loved ones, accidents, or experiences of loss can serve as triggers or trigger a relapse of already stabilized hyperthyroidism.
This is due to the fact that stress increases the secretion of adrenal medulla hormones (adrenaline and norepinephrine), which increase the rate of synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. On the other hand, stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary system, increases the secretion of cortisol, TSH, which can serve as a trigger - a starting point in the mechanism of the development of the disease. Emotional stress leads to atrophy of the thymus gland, reduces the formation of antibodies, reduces the concentration of interferon in the blood serum, increases the susceptibility to infectious diseases, increases the incidence of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Such patients give the impression of personal maturity, which, however, is not adequate for all situations and only with difficulty hides weakness and fear, fear of adult life, of parting, or of one's own responsibility, or in general of the need to survive. According to the definition of psychosomatic luminary Franz Alexander, a hyperthyroid patient is a person who “tried to endure the struggle with his fear that lasted his whole life.”
A patient with hyperthyroidism is often inclined to sacrifice himself for the sake of others. The hostile feelings towards the “lucky ones” that arise in this case are displaced and overcompensated by increased activity. Such sick constantly seeks To self-affirmation and tries surpass others V damage development attention and feelings. To him account for build protection against repetitions intolerable sensations isolation and rejection, which fell out on his destiny V childhood. If these mechanisms break down, in genetically predisposed subject Maybe develop thyrotoxicosis
That is why psychotherapy must necessarily be included in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis.
A good non-drug treatment is transcranial electrical brain stimulation (TES). It is widely used to relieve pain of various origins due to its analgesic effect, and also has a positive effect on the processes of reparation and an increase in the psychophysiological status of a person, reduces anxiety and depression.
A promising method for the treatment of inflammation and psycho-emotional imbalance caused by thyrotoxicosis is infusion treatment with ketamine. Combining psychotherapy with ketamine infusions, transcranial electrical stimulation, rehabilitation of the brain "Neurohelp", body-oriented therapy and art therapy, a significant improvement in the health of patients can be achieved.