Thyroid disorders in people with developmental disability

Thyroid disorders can occur at any age in people with developmental disability. They are especially common in women (as in the general population), and in people with Down syndrome or a family history of thyroid disorders. Certain medications may also increase the risk of thyroid disorders; see Drugs that influence thyroid hormones. As in the general population, clinical presentation of thyroid disease is variable.

Test for thyroid function in people with developmental disability:

annually if there is elevated risk of thyroid dysfunction (eg people with Down syndrome)
if changes in behaviour or adaptive functioning occur.

Hypothyroidism is the usual manifestation of thyroid dysfunction in people with developmental disability. Consider and exclude hypothyroidism if there are signs of functional decline; see Differential diagnoses of functional decline in people with developmental disability for differential diagnoses of functional decline.

Hyperthyroidism may present as behavioural disturbance and weight loss.

If further investigation is needed, consider specialist referral. For detailed discussion of thyroid disorders and their treatment, see Thyroid disorders.