Graves’ disease after the onset of panic disorder

Background: It is still unknown whether anxiety disorders observed in Graves’ disease are a consequence of increased thyroid hormone levels or precede the onset of Graves’ disease. Methods: Two case reports are described. Results: In 2 patients Graves’ disease occurred in the setting of previously established euthyroid panic disorder. The interval between the onset of panic disorder and that of hyperthyroidism was 4 and 5 years, respectively. Antithyroid drug treatment reduced psychiatric symptoms, but only to a partial degree. Conclusion: The findings indicate that panic disorder may not only be a consequence of Graves’ disease but may precede its onset and potentially predispose to its development.