A study of the relationship between anemia and some psychological parameters

Abstract

In this study, our aim is to investigate several connections between anemia and psychological parameters. Anemia is a clinically substantial and global pathology that, affecting all demographic groups, is characterized by a decline in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration threshold, and/or red blood cell (RBC) count physiologically normal threshold, weakens oxygen delivery to tissues. More than 400 anemia types exist, and three reasons for anemia are thought to be main causes of anemia which are blood loss, dysfunctional erythropoiesis, hemolysis. Anemia manifests in several ways, such as insufficient intake of essential micronutrients, for example, folate, cobalamin (B12), Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and especially iron. Formation of these nutrition deficiencies with RBCs and Hb may cause the appearance of nutritional anemia. Genetic mutations also have role in anemia’s emergence, for instance, sickle cell anemia (SCA) occurs by an autosomal recessive mutation in the β-globin gene, or thalassemia, another inherited disorder, presents due to mutations in α-globin genes (alpha thalassemia) and β-globin chains (beta thalassemia). In addition to physiological manifestations of anemia, it has also been considered to influence psychological health, with growing recognition of its role in the development of mood disorders, cognitive decline, and overall mental well-being. Over the years, anemia has been associated with a wide array of psychiatric diseases including depression, and anxiety, for example, undesirable outcomes of SCA- which are pain crisis, dissatisfaction of body, sleep disorders, have been concerned to contribute development of depression in patients with SCA. Common symptoms of anemia, which are tiredness, lethargy, faint feeling, headache, or shortness of breath, are also thought to, affecting daily life, be promoters of a variety of psychological matters. Anemia, also associated with cognitive impairment, such as worsening memory, lack of attention, or decreased psychomotor speed, which were also concerned to contribute to development of depression. Role of nutritional deficiencies on mental have been repeatedly mentioned. Crucial role of iron on mood regulation affecting neurotransmitter metabolism has been consistently pointed. In addition to deficiencies, several psychological aspects may emerge due to lack of vitamin B12, such as anger, anxiety, or psychosis. One of the reasons for maternal depression, which has detrimental outcomes for mothers and infants, was also thought to be anemia. Perinatal populations show a consistent clinical signal: a systematic review and meta-analysis reports higher odds of maternal depressive symptoms when anemia is present during pregnancy or postpartum, underscoring the need to co-manage hematologic status in obstetric mental-health pathways. Besides mood disorders, contemporary evidence supports a bi-directional model linking anemia and psychological distress. Inflammatory signaling particularly interleukin-6 riven hepcidin induction limits iron export via ferroportin, sustaining iron-restricted erythropoiesis; reciprocally, anemia-related fatigue, sleep fragmentation, and activity restriction can amplify distress and reduce self-care, maintaining a feedback loop. This physiology helps explain why psychological symptoms may persist even with mild hematologic abnormalities and motivates integrated screening. In conclusion, these days that prevalence of anemia progressively increases, it is important to have knowledge about connection between anemia and psychological parameters. Therefore, for future studies, further investigations into anemia and its psychological outcomes should be conducted.