Polar T3 syndrome

Polar T3 syndrome is a condition found in polar explorers, caused by a reduction in levels of the thyroid hormone T3.[1][2] Its effects include forgetfulness, cognitive impairment and mood disturbances. It can exhibit itself in a fugue state known as the "Antarctic stare".[3][4][5]

It is regarded as one of the contributory causes of winter-over syndrome.[3]

References

  1. ^ Reed, H. L.; Silverman, E. D.; Shakir, K. M. M.; Dons, R.; Burman, K. D.; O'Brian, J. T. (1990). "Changes in Serum Triiodothyronine (T3) Kinetics after Prolonged Antarctic Residence: The Polar T3 Syndrome". Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 70 (4): 965. doi:10.1210/jcem-70-4-965.  edit
  2. ^ Palinkas, L. A.; Suedfeld, P. (2008). "Psychological effects of polar expeditions". The Lancet 371 (9607): 153–163. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61056-3. PMID 17655924.  edit
  3. ^ a b Palinkas LA, Reed HL, Do NV (1997). "Association between the Polar T3 Syndrome and the Winter-Over Syndrome in Antarctica". Antarctic Journal of the United States Review 1997. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/1999/nsf98106/98106htm/nsf98106h2.html. Retrieved 2011-11-04. 
  4. ^ Emily Stone (November 9, 2004). "Treating the Antarctic blues". http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=15478. 
  5. ^ "Polar T3 Disorder". Natural History Museum. 17 April 2008. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/earth/antarctica/blog-archive/?p=185.