6 Medical Conditions to Check for if You Have Depression or Anxiety

Mar 6, 2026

The show explores six medical areas that can trigger mood changes, from thyroid and hormone shifts to nutrient deficiencies. It highlights sleep disorders and how poor sleep can mimic depression. It covers medications, chronic inflammation and illness, and neurological causes that may present as mood changes.

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ANECDOTE

Parasite Caused Sudden Depression

A woman in Australia developed sudden depression with stomach pain, cough, night sweats, and memory problems.
An MRI found a lesion and surgery revealed a live three-inch parasite in her brain, proving a medical cause for her mood change.

ANECDOTE

Celebrities and Personal Stories Link Illness To Mood

Selena Gomez linked anxiety and depression to unmanaged lupus, an autoimmune condition.
Emma McAdam described her own pregnancy anxiety which decreased about 50% after taking magnesium for muscle cramps.

INSIGHT

Biopsychosocial Link Means Check Physical Causes

Physical health and mental health are deeply interlinked through the biopsychosocial model.
Poor physical health can produce symptoms that mimic psychiatric disorders, so screening medical causes is essential before long-term therapy.

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Depression and anxiety can come from physical problems like thyroid, hormones, sleep, or nutrient deficiencies—learn the top medical causes to check

Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

How to Sleep Better Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiUrrIiqidTWdplSnedICFAMlMN-8ikae

If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, it might not be “just in your head.” Many medical conditions can mimic or trigger mood symptoms—things like thyroid imbalances, hormone changes, nutrient deficiencies, sleep disorders, chronic illness, inflammation, or even side effects from common medications.

In this episode, I break down 6 essential medical conditions to check for if you have depression or anxiety. These are often missed for years, and getting proper testing can completely change the course of treatment.

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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.