The Effects of Graves’ Disease
1. Introduction
This medical case study assesses and overviews the Graves disease effects on an individual. Graves’ disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism and is characterized by dermopathy, exophthalmos, goiter, and thyrotoxicosis (Riedel, 2005). The most common symptoms are anxiety, weight loss, tremors, increased appetite, sweating, heat intolerance, palpitations, tachycardia,heart failure,arrhythmias (Riedel, 2005).
2. Case Presentation
The patient is a 25-year-old female who was diagnosed with Graves’ disease four years ago. She presented with anxiety, weight loss, tremors, increased appetite, sweating, heat intolerance, palpitations, tachycardia, heart failure, arrhythmias. She was treated with radioactive iodine and antithyroid medications. After treatment, her symptoms improved and she has been in remission for two years. However, she still experiences some symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating. She also has trouble sleeping and her skin breaks out easily. In addition, she has social anxiety and avoids social situations.
3. Graves Disease
Graves’ disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism and is characterized by dermopathy, exophthalmos goiter, and thyrotoxicosis (Riedel, 2005). The most common symptoms are anxiety, weight loss, tremors, increased appetite, sweating, heat intolerance, palpitations, tachycardia heart failure arrhythmias (Riedel 2005). Graves’ disease is caused by an autoimmune reaction to the thyroid gland (Riedel, 2005). This results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
4. Effects of Graves Disease
The effects of Graves’ disease vary depending on the individual. The most common effects are anxiety, weight loss, tremors, increased appetite, sweating, heat intolerance, palpitations tachycardia heart failure arrhythmias (Riedel 2005). Other less common effects include double vision rashes itching heart condition osteoporosis (Riedel 2005). The psychological complications can be the most debilitating aspects of the disease (Riedel 2005).
5. Psychological Complications
The psychological complications of Graves’ disease can be the most debilitating aspects of the disease (Riedel 2005). The most common psychological complications are anxiety depression and difficulty concentrating (Riedel 2005). These complications can lead to social anxiety and avoidance of social situations (Riedel 2005). The psychological complications can also lead to trouble sleeping and skin breakouts (Riedel 2005).
6. Social Life
The social life of an individual with Graves’ disease can be significantly affected by the disease (Riedel 2005). The most common effect is social anxiety which can lead to avoidance of social situations (Riedel 2005). This can make it difficult for an individual to maintain friendships or relationships (Riedel 2005). In addition, the physical symptoms of Graves’ disease can make it difficult for an individual to participate in activities or events (Riedel 2005).
7. Physical and Social Competencies
The physical and social competencies of an individual with Graves’ disease can be significantly affected by the disease (Riedel 2005). The most common physical symptom is fatigue which can make it difficult for an individual to participate in physical activities (Riedel 2005). In addition, the physical symptoms of Graves’ disease can make it difficult for an individual to participate in social activities or events (Riedel 2005).
8. Double Vision
Double vision is a less common symptom of Graves’ disease but can be debilitating for those who experience it (Riedel 2005). Double vision can make it difficult for an individual to read write or drive (Riedel 2005). In addition, double vision can cause dizziness and nausea (Riedel 2005).
9. Rashes and Itching
Rashes and itching are less common symptoms of Graves’ disease but can be debilitating for those who experience them (Riedel 2005). Rashes and itching can make it difficult for an individual to sleep or participate in activities (Riedel 2005). In addition, rashes and itching can cause discomfort and embarrassment (Riedel 2005).
10. Heart Condition
Heart conditions are a less common but serious complication of Graves’ disease (Riedel 2005). Heart conditions can include arrhythmias heart failure and cardiomyopathy (Riedel 2005). Heart conditions can be life-threatening and require emergency medical treatment (Riedel 2005).
11. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a less common but serious complication of Graves’ disease (Riedel 2005). Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and fragile (Riedel 2005). Osteoporosis can lead to fractures even with minor injuries (Riedel 2005). Osteoporosis can be prevented with medication and lifestyle changes (Riedel 2005).
12. Conclusion
Graves’ Disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects many aspects of an individual’s life. The most common symptoms are anxiety, weight loss, tremors, increased appetite, sweating, heat intolerance, palpitations, tachycardia, heart failure, arrhythmias. However, the most debilitating effects are the psychological complications which can include anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, social anxiety, avoidance of social situations, trouble sleeping, and skin breakouts. In addition, the physical symptoms of Graves’ disease can make it difficult for an individual to participate in activities or events. While there is no cure for Graves’ disease, treatment is available to manage the symptoms and complications.