Relation between Depressive Disorder and Iron Deficiency Anemia among Adults Reporting to a Secondary Healthcare Facility: A Hospital-Based Case Control Study

To determine the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and depressive disorder; and identify the correlation between severity of anemia and depressive disorder.

Descriptive, analytical study.

Department of Psychiatry and Medical Reception Center, Sindh Rangers Hospital, Karachi (a secondaryhealthcare facility), from January to July 2017.

Depressive disorder was diagnosed by psychiatrist on ICD 10 criteria and severity of symptoms was assessed on HAM-D rating scale. Hundred cases and equal number of age and gender matched controls were enrolled in the study. A semi-structured proforma was used for documenting the socio-demographic factors and outcome variables. Blood samples were taken for Hemoglobin (Hb) level and peripheral film from both groups.

Median Hb levels were 11.9 (IQR=1.27)) for depressed patients versus 12.9 (IQR=1.3) for healthy participants. Significant difference between Hb levels of two groups was found (p<0.001), i.e. depressed participants were found to have higher frequency of anemia (73%) as compared to non depressed participants (16%, p=0.001). Spearman rank correlation coefficient for Hb level and depression was -0.429 (p<0.01), showing significant negative correlation. The odds for Hb level were 0.487 (0.37-0.64), which showed that cases are less likely to be found with higher Hb levels as compared to controls (p<0.001).

This study concludes that there is relationship between iron deficiency anemia and depressive disorder; and severity of symptoms of DD increases with degree of IDA.