How do thyroid disorder symptoms mimic schizophrenia?

Thyroid disorder is a medical condition that can cause symptoms similar to those found in people with schizophrenia. When people show up at the doctor displaying some of the signs of schizophrenia, a physician will perform laboratory tests to rule out medical illnesses that mimic schizophrenia. One of the diseases they check for is thyroid disorder. When a person's thyroid is underactive or overactive, they may display some symptoms that are similar to those found in people with schizophrenia. With hyperthyroidism people may experience:

• tremors or shaking
• nervousness or anxiety
• trouble sleeping
• confusion
• withdrawal from others

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

• dull facial expression or lack of emotions
• speaking slowly 
• confusion
• memory loss

For these reasons, people with the above symptoms are tested for thyroid disorder before schizophrenia can be diagnosed.