Uğur ERGÜN, Taner Buğra TAN
Acta Medica Ruha - 2026;4(2):44-49
Objective: To examine the moderating effects of temperament traits assessed by TEMPS -A on depressive and anxiety symptoms in adults with hypothyroidism and to explore their potential relevance for personalized treatment approaches. Methods: This cross sectional, obs ervational, comparative study was conducted at Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital and included 200 participants aged 18 -65 years (hypothyroidism: n=100; age -, sex -, and education -matched healthy controls: n=100). Depression and anxiety were evaluated using th e Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Temperament traits were assessed with the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS -A). Group comparisons were performed using Student's t -test or Mann Whitney U test and Chi -square test as appropriate. Associations were analyzed using Spearman correlation, and predictors of psychiatric symptoms were examined with multivariate linear regression models. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The groups were comparable in age and sex (mean age: 40.9 +/- 12.4 years; p>0.05). The hypothyroidism group demonstrated significantly higher anxiety levels (BAI: U=8141.0, p<0.001), with moderate to severe anxiety in 42% versus 15% of controls. Depression scores were also higher in the hypothyroidism group (BDI: U=6673.0, p=0.0001), with moderate to severe depression observed in 48% compared with 17% of controls. TEMPS -A temperament profiles did not differ significantly between groups (U=5100.5, p=1 .000). No significant correlation was observed between anxiety and temperament scores, while a weak, non significant association was noted between depression and temperament. Multivariate analyses indicated that thyroid status was the primary predictor of psychiatric symptoms, with limited additional contribution from temperament traits. Conclusion: Individuals with hypothyroidism exhibit significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety than healthy controls. While temperament traits showed minimal explanatory value, temperament -sensitive interventions alongside hormonal management may support personalized clinical care. Longitudinal studies with interaction -term models are warranted.
