LAUSR

Background: This study documents the effect that alcohol and tobacco have on those with thyroid problems who participated in an 8 week lifestyle education program. Methods: Participants from the a depression and anxiety educational program were studied. Those who chose to participate met once a week for 8 weeks for a 2 hour program. It consisted of a 45 minute DVD presentation followed by a small group discussion. No doctor patient relationship was established. The program was offered by certified facilitators and focused on educating participants on healthy behaviors such as exercise, plant-based diets, sleep hygiene and others. Each participant answered the Depression and Anxiety Assessment Test (registration TX 7-398-022) both pre and post program. It assessed depression level based on DSM-5 [The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Volume 5] criteria, use of tobacco and alcohol as well as clinical history including thyroid function. The degree of morbid thoughts was ranked from 0-3 ([0] having none or rare; [1] having them 1/4 of the days; [2] being 1/2 of the days; [3] being almost every day in a period of 2 weeks). Results: From n=6118 participants that finished the 8 week program, n=561 participants had thyroid problem those participants were used in the study. The group mean age was 53, SD 15.0, and 82.7% were female. From this group, n=42 (7.5%) were using alcohol and n=44 (7.8%) were tobacco users. Among the those using alcohol, baseline mean depression was 14.67 (SD 6.6), suicidal ideation score was 1.2 at the end of the program mean depression was 9.62 (SD 6.6, p < .001), and suicide thoughts were 0.33. Among the tobacco users, baseline mean depression was 16.23 (SD 6.8) suicidal thought were 1.50 at the end of the program mean depression was 8.84 (SD 5.8, p < .001), 0.34 for suicide thoughts. Among the non-tobacco users, baseline mean depression was 12.44 (SD 7.3), suicidal thoughts was 0.86 at the end of the program depression was 7.95 (SD 6.6, p < .001), and suicidal thoughts were 0.25. Among the non-alcohol users, baseline mean depression was 12.58 (SD 7.4), suicidal thoughts was 0.88 at the end of the program mean depression was 7.89 (SD 6.5, p < .001), suicidal thoughts were 0.25. Conclusion: The findings suggest this program is effective at reducing depression, suicidal thoughts, among individuals with thyroid dysfunction who use alcohol or tobacco; however greater benefit may be achieved by abstaining from both substances.