Associations Between Lifetime Histories of Iron Deficiency, Anxiety, Depression and Multiple Pain Conditions: An...

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Pain Management
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Iron deficiency is a common condition with potential systemic effects.
• Previous studies indicated a link between iron deficiency and pain in children.
• The relationship between iron deficiency and chronic pain in adults requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine associations between a history of iron deficiency and chronic pain conditions in adults.
• To investigate the link between iron deficiency history and the presence of anxiety and depression.
• To build upon previous findings in pediatric populations regarding iron deficiency and pain.

Main Methods:

• Adult twins and families were recruited from the Australian Twin Registry.
• Questionnaires assessed lifetime history of physician-diagnosed, treated iron deficiency and chronic pain conditions.
• Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations analyzed relationships between iron deficiency, pain, anxiety, and depression.

Main Results:

• Iron deficiency prevalence was 38.7% in females and 2.4% in males.
• Iron deficiency history was significantly associated with migraine, headache, recurrent abdominal pain, and dysmenorrhea.
• Iron deficiency was also linked to anxiety and depression, and associated with the number of pain conditions.

Conclusions:

• A history of iron deficiency is associated with multiple chronic pain conditions in adults.
• Iron deficiency history correlates with anxiety and depression.
• These findings suggest iron deficiency may influence pain sensitivity and mental health outcomes.