Executive functions and psychiatric disorders in adults with iron deficiency anemia

Abstract

Purpose: The focus has been on the hematological complications of iron deficiency, while the nonhematological complications have been less studied. Its effects on cognitive functions were mostly investigated in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study is to compare the executive functioning of persons with iron deficiency anemia to healthy controls in order to determine whether they have any comorbid psychiatric disorders. Materials and Methods: 42 patients with iron deficiency anemia and 44 healthy controls participated in this study. To investigate whether any psychiatric disorders existed, the individuals were given a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Clinician's Version. Executive functioning was assessed using the Stroop Test and the Number Sequence Learning Test. Results: When compared to the control group, the IDA group took longer on average to complete parts 1–5 of the Stroop Test. There was no difference between the groups with regards to the results of number sequence learning test. Psychiatric illnesses were more common (43%) in the IDA group than they were in the control group (13.6%). The difference was significant when the groups were compared in terms of psychiatric disorders. Conclusion: According to the study's findings, those with iron deficiency anemia have worse executive functioning scores than healthy controls and are more likely to have psychiatric disorders. An extensive assessment of the health consequences of iron deficiency anemia is extremely important.