| Abstract [eng] |
Triiodothyronine (T3), also referred to as liothyronine, is a hormone produced and secreted by the thyroid gland, as well as derived from its less-active form thyroxine. T3 augmentation refers to the use of supplemental triiodothyronine to increase the efficacy of antidepressant treatment. Its effects on the central nervous system are theorized to relate to serotonin-receptor activity, particularly serotonin 1A-, 1B- and 2A-autoreceptors. This literature review explored the pathophysiology of depression, through which the use of triiodothyronine augmentation was discussed. The applicable literature demonstrated that T3 augmentation can be beneficial in patients who gained initial benefit from the use of selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, but did not reach remission on these drugs alone. Major limitation in the literature was the lack of studies regarding other antidepressant groups, in addition to the majority of the literature having been published over 10 years ago. With major advances in the development of neuromodulation and atypical antipsychotics, the research into T3 augmentation for depression is insufficient to favor its use over other adjunctive therapies. T3 augmentation’s strength in comparison to other adjunctive therapies is its properties as an accelerator of antidepressant therapy, as well as low incidence of adverse effects. In conclusion, there is limited research on T3 augmentation in depression, and the presented literature does not offer consistent results on the efficacy of T3 augmentation. Despite T3 augmentation often being forgotten among other adjunctive therapies, it may be beneficial to a specific patient population. |
