Education for women who manifest thyroid type symptoms but cannot obtain a diagnosis

Abstract

This study explored the style, specificity and efficacy of individual and specialised education for women who manifested the stressful, classic thyroid type symptoms that included but were not restricted to memory and concentration problems, depression or sadness, and weight, sleep and energy problems, but who were unable to obtain an official medical diagnosis. In this participatory action research study, the two part education was tailored to meet the specific needs of each participant as identified during the initial in-depth interview. ... Findings indicated that specialised, individually tailored education can reduce the stress load on mind and body through the transformation of thinking and the shifting of perceptions that result in changed attitudes and behaviours within self and towards others. These cognitive, behavioural and affective changes influence, or are influenced by, a reduction in the symptoms of biological stress which in turn eases either the perception or the actual experience of the thyroid type symptoms. Gaining wisdom, the women found new world views of themselves and others and developed different ways of being, to cope with existing situations or to avoid impending or unnecessary stress.