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Association between psychiatric disorders and iron deficiency anemia among children and adolescents: a nationwide
Mu-Hong Chen1, Tung-Ping Su, Ying-Sheue Chen
1Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Insights
Iron deficiency in children and adolescents significantly elevates the risk of developing various psychiatric disorders. Early detection and intervention are crucial for mitigating these risks and supporting healthy development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Iron is essential for optimal central nervous system development and function.
- Early-life iron deficiency is linked to increased risk of psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the risk of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the National Health Insurance Database (1996-2008).
- Identified children and adolescents with IDA and compared them to age- and gender-matched controls (1:4).
Main Results:
- Patients with IDA showed increased risks for unipolar depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, tic disorder, developmental delay, and mental retardation.
- A gender effect was observed, with female IDA patients having a higher risk of bipolar disorder and tic disorder.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency anemia is associated with an increased risk of multiple psychiatric disorders.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting IDA and psychiatric conditions.
Background:
A great deal of evidence has shown that iron is an important component in cognitive, sensorimotor, and social-emotional development and functioning, because the development of central nervous system processes is highly dependent on iron-containing enzymes and proteins. Deficiency of iron in early life may increase the risk of psychiatric morbidity.
Methods:
Utilizing the National Health Insurance Database from 1996 to 2008, children and adolescents with a diagnosis of IDA were identified and compared with age and gender-matched controls (1:4) in an investigation of the increased risk of psychiatric disorders.
Results:
A total of 2957 patients with IDA, with an increased risk of unipolar depressive disorder (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.58 ~ 3.46), bipolar disorder (OR = 5.78, 95% CI = 2.23 ~ 15.05), anxiety disorder (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.49 ~ 3.16), autism spectrum disorder (OR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.79 ~ 5.28), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.29 ~ 2.17), tic disorder (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.03 ~ 2.78), developmental delay (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 2.00 ~ 3.00), and mental retardation (OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 2.00 ~ 3.65), were identified. A gender effect was noted, in that only female patients with IDA had an increased OR of bipolar disorder (OR = 5.56, 95% CI = 1.98 ~ 15.70) and tic disorder (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.27 ~ 6.86).
Conclusion:
Iron deficiency increased the risk of psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and developmental disorders. Further study is required to clarify the mechanism in the association between IDA and psychiatric disorder.
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