The relationship between cortisol and thyroid function tests in geriatric Patients with psychiatric disorder

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum cortisol and thyroid function tests in geriatric patients with psychiatric disorder. We assessed serum cortisol and thyroid function tests in newly admitted 35 geriatric age group patients in psychiatric ward and in 35 sexand age matched controls. Study group included geriatric patients with psychiatric disorder diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Thyroid function tests contained serum concentrations of total cortisol (TC) triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyrotropin (TSH). The serum concentration of TC was increased significantly in study group as compared with controls (P<0.001). T3 and T4 levels were slightly decreased in geriatric group as compared with controls (P<0.05). A positive and significant correlation was observed between TC and TSH. We concluded that the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis are impaired in geriatric patients with psychiatric disorder.