The use of thyroid supplements to augment antidepressant medication. Discussion

Despite methodological flaws that limit conclusions, a considerable database documents the efficacy of triiodothyronine (T 3 ) as an augmentation strategy for response to various classes of antidepressants. One study suggests that T 3 and lithium are of comparable efficacy in antidepressant nonresponders. No clear biochemical or clinical predictors of preferential response to T 3 have been found. The role of T 3 augmentation requires further evaluation, especially with regard to dose and duration.