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

Which is the most prevalent hyperthyroid condition?

1. Hashimoto's thyroiditis

2. Subacute thyroiditis

3. Graves disease

4. Thyroid carcinoma

The correct answer is: Graves disease

Graves disease is recognized as the most prevalent hyperthyroid condition. This autoimmune disorder leads to the overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can result in symptoms such as weight loss, increased heart rate, and anxiety. The condition is caused by antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland, resulting in its enlargement and excessive hormone output. In contrast, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is primarily associated with hypothyroidism due to the autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland, rather than hyperthyroidism. Subacute thyroiditis typically presents as a temporary form of hyperthyroidism, but it is usually self-limiting and not classified as a chronic condition like Graves disease. Thyroid carcinoma, while it can cause hormone overproduction in specific cases, is primarily a cancer diagnosis rather than a prevalent cause of hyperthyroidism. Thus, all these conditions differ significantly in their nature and prevalence regarding hyperthyroid activity, which is why Graves disease stands out as the most common hyperthyroid condition.