Effect of Levothyroxine Therapy on the Development of Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults With Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Key Points Question Does levothyroxine treatment have an effect on the development of depressive symptoms in older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism? Findings In this ancillary study of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 427 participants with subclinical hypothyroidism, there was no statistically significant difference in the adjusted between-group difference in the mean Geriatric Depression Score at 12 months between the levothyroxine and placebo groups. Meaning These results do not provide evidence in favor of levothyroxine therapy in older persons with subclinical hypothyroidism to reduce the risk of developing depressive symptoms.

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