Bipolar Disorder - New era of Treatments: High dose Levothyroxine, rTMS and genetics

Abstract

Introduction Rapid cycling Bipolar disorder and mixed affective states are treatment resistant conditions. Standard treatments are ineffective. Homozygous polymorphism of DIO2 gene is associated 3.75-fold risk of bipolar disorder. Objectives High Dose Levothyroxine combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in Rapid cycling Bipolar disorder: Is it thyroid disease? Methods 20 RCBPD with ICD-10criteria for bipolar disorder. All were severely symptomatic. TFTs and ECGs were monitored weekly with cardiology and endocrinology backup. Genetic testing was undertaken for DiO1/DiO2 status. Results 17 were female, average age 32.4 yrs. 19/20 had Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of either DIO1, DIO2 or both. All but two patients were treated with rTMS to induce cerebral neuroplasticity. Average pre-treatment fT4 was 17.0 pmol/L , and fT3 4.5 pmol/L Average post-treatment, fT4 was 59.7 pmol/L and fT3 5.3 pmol/L. Average fT4:fT3 ratio pre-treatment was 4:1, and post-treatment was 5:1. HDL range was 200-800 mcg daily for remission. Average dose 472 mcg daily. Discontinuation rate was 0%. All patients had ECG and cardiac review One patient required a dose reduction because of minimal side effects 12 patients needed one mood stabiliser All were in remission for a minimum of 6 months. Conclusions We speculate that BPD may be a form of cerebral hypothyroidism and that HDL helps to overcome the deficit while robust inactivating deiodinases in the periphery protect from systemic thyrotoxicosis. This is evidenced by findings of normal clinical examination and elevated rT3. rTMS exercises its well established neuroplastic effect, helping to achieve and maintain remission as an adjunct to HDL. Disclosure The London Psychiatry Centre (TLPC) has pending patents for the combined protocol of rTMS and/or Thyroid hormones depending on the territory: - Pending US Patent application: (and/or) US20200384279 - Pending European patent appl

Keywords

• bipolar disorder
• rTMS
• High Dose Levothyroxine