Bibliometric analysis of trends and hotspots in thyroid hormone research in patients with bipolar disorder (1998–2022): Bibliometric review

Abstract

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric illness. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in maintaining normal brain function and have a significant impact on mood regulation and neuroendocrine activity. Increasing evidence suggests that thyroid dysfunction is closely related to the onset, progression, and severity of BD. A systematic bibliometric analysis of this field is important for understanding its research trajectory and identifying emerging hotspots. Methods: Literature on BD and thyroid hormones published between 1998 and 2022 was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Data were analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software to explore publication trends, major contributing countries and institutions, authors, journals, and keyword characteristics. Results: A total of 452 relevant publications were identified, covering 229 journals, 2318 authors, 1443 institutions, and 188 countries. The United States, China, and Germany were the most active countries in this field. Major contributing institutions included the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of Toronto, and the Technical University of Dresden. Leading scholars were Bauer M, Whybrow PC, and Rybakowski JK. The Journal of Affective Disorders published the most relevant papers. Keyword analysis revealed that research hotspots mainly focused on BD, thyroid function, and depression, particularly around themes such as “risk,” “affective illness,” and “bipolar affective disorder.” Conclusion: The relationship between thyroid hormones and BD has become an important research focus in recent years, providing new directions for future studies in this field. This study systematically reveals the research landscape and developmental trends from 1998 to 2022, offering valuable references and guidance for future research and clinical practice.