College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is the most common hyperthyroid disease?

1. Graves disease

2. Hashimoto disease

3. Cushing disease

4. Addison disease

The correct answer is: Graves disease

Graves disease is recognized as the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, which is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones. This autoimmune disorder leads to the stimulation of the thyroid gland by antibodies that mimic thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), resulting in excessive hormone release. Symptoms of Graves disease often include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, sweating, anxiety, and tremors, among others. In contrast, Hashimoto disease primarily causes hypothyroidism, as it leads to chronic inflammation and destruction of thyroid tissue, resulting in underproduction of thyroid hormones. Cushing disease is related to elevated cortisol levels, while Addison disease is characterized by insufficient production of cortisol and sometimes aldosterone. Neither of those two conditions is categorized under thyroid disorders or hyperthyroidism. Thus, Graves disease stands out as the definitive answer when identifying the most prevalent hyperthyroid disease.