The Correlation between Thyroid Function and Mental Disorders: An Overview and Future Prespectives

Thyroid hormones (TH), as key endocrine regulators of metabolism, nervous system development, and energy metabolism, have been demonstrated to be closely associated with various mental disorders when their levels are abnormal, leading to hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. This article systematically reviews the epidemiological characteristics of thyroid dysfunction, the physiological functions of thyroid hormones, population heterogeneity, and patterns of comorbidity between thyroid disorders and mental disorders. It focuses on the pathological mechanisms linking thyroid function to major mental disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The paper clearly identifies the pathogenic role and biomarker value of thyroid autoantibodies, the adjunctive role of thyroid hormone supplementation in the treatment of mental disorders, and the early clinical significance of thyroid function screening, further highlighting the clinical value of their interactive relationship. In addition, this article prospects future research directions, addresses current study limitations, and points to interdisciplinary approaches for clinical management, providing comprehensive evidence‑based support for the combined screening and precision intervention of thyroid diseases and mental disorders.