Serum ferritin in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
J Gordon Millichap1, Michelle M Yee, Sonia I Davidson
1Division of Neurology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA. gmillichap@childrensmemorial.org
Pediatric Neurology
|March 1, 2006
Summary
This study found no direct link between low serum ferritin levels and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Iron deficiency does not appear to cause ADHD symptoms in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a potential factor in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Serum ferritin levels are an indicator of iron stores in the body.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and ADHD in children.
- To determine if low iron stores contribute to ADHD symptoms or severity.
Main Methods:
- Serum ferritin levels were measured in 68 children (ages 5-16) diagnosed with ADHD.
- Patients were compared based on lowest (<20 ng/mL) and highest (>60 ng/mL) ferritin levels.
- Clinical characteristics, symptom severity, and medication response were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The mean serum ferritin level in ADHD patients was not significantly different from controls.
- A high percentage of patients had low serum ferritin levels (74% <50 ng/mL, 44% <30 ng/mL, 18% <20 ng/mL).
- No significant differences in ADHD severity, comorbidities, or treatment response were found between low and high ferritin groups.
Conclusions:
- Low serum ferritin levels were common in this cohort of children with ADHD.
- This study did not confirm a causative role for low serum ferritin in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the role of iron in ADHD.
