Iron Deficiency in two Adolescents with Conduct, Dysthymic and Movement Disorders

Abstract

Enquiry into a marginally subnormal hemogram in two adolescents with complex conduct, dysthymic and movement disorders uncovered a striking iron deficiency and prompted a trial of replacing psychotropic medication with iron therapy. The rationale of iron therapy for behavioural disturbance was examined from the clinical, neurochemical and psychopharmacological points of view. Although further study is required to confirm the therapeutic efficacy and to define the precise nature of iron deficiency in conduct disorder, the weight of the evidence suggests that correcting the nutrient deficit may be an essential step toward a refinement of therapeutic strategies. The presence of a borderline hemogram, hypermenorrhea and malnutrition should alert clinicians to the possibility of iron deficiency, and laboratory screening for hypoferremia should be considered when assessing conduct disorder.