The relationship between an iodine deficiency and symptoms of psychosis is complicated, rare and takes several years to develop. A manifestation of iodine defiency, hypothyroidism that is either undiagnosed or poorly controlled may eventually lead to a condition called myxedema coma. In addition to symptoms of psychosis, this life-threatening condition is also associated with mental decline and confusion.
Iodine Deficiency
Your body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormone. Because your body does not make its own iodine, it relies on dietary iodine to complete this process. Most people get sufficient iodine by cooking and seasoning with iodized table salt, as well as by eating iodine-rich foods, such as seafood, meat, eggs and dairy products. Although the deficiency is rare, it is possible if you do not incorporate enough of these types of food into your diet. The complication associated with an iodine deficiency is hypothyroidism, which results from your body's inability to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroidism
When your thyroid gland does not have enough iodine to make sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism is the result. In addition to iodine deficiency, other causes of hypothyroidism include a viral infection of the thyroid gland, a congenital birth defect and surgical removal of part or all of the gland. Overexposure to radioactive iodine used in the treatment of an overactive thyroid gland can also lead to hypothyroidism. Medications such as lithium, amiodarone and those used to treat hyperthyroidism are additional culprits. Whatever the cause, treatment of hypothyroidism is critical to relieve symptoms of the disorder, as well as to lower your risk for future complications.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of hypothyroidism are numerous and include unintentional weight gain, depression, constipation and weakness. Cold intolerance, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, dry skin, and heavier than usual menstrual periods in women are also symptoms of the condition. You may experience hair and fingernail changes as well. Untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism can progress to later symptoms, such as hoarseness; slow speech; swelling of the hands, feet and face; eyebrow thinning; and thickening of your skin. Chronic hypothyroidism, such as that occurring over the course of several years, increases your risk for manifestation of the condition myxedema coma.
Myxedema Coma
Psychosis induced by an iodine deficiency is the result of myxedema coma, a potentially fatal complication of long-term hypothyroidism. Usually precipitated by illness, cold exposure or an infection, myxedema is associated with symptoms, such as low blood sugar, low blood pressure, hypotension, decreased respiration and, eventually, unresponsiveness. Mental decline, apathy and confusion are also potential manifestations, as is the onset of psychosis.
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