Instruments used in measuring symptoms, health status and quality of life in hypothyroidism: a systematic qualitative review
Authors:
Razvi, S., McMillan, C. V., and Weaver, J. U.
Abstract:
Background Symptoms of hypothyroidism are varied and nonspecific, thereby making clinical diagnosis impossible. Some patients report ongoing symptoms despite treatment. Measuring symptoms, health status and quality of life by using appropriate instruments, in addition to biochemical tests, is therefore vital to quantify disease severity and assess response to treatment. A number of instruments have been used in hypothyroidism, leading to lack of clarity about what exactly is being measured, and the rationale for the inclusion of particular measures is often uncertain.