Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder is a common neurobiological syndrome of childhood. Iron deficiency is suggested to be an etiologic factor of Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder because of the role on dopamine metabolism. The objective of this study is to evaluate iron deficiency in patients with Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder in comparison with healty children and to predict the severity of the symptoms on admission according to serum ferritin levels

METHODS

Fifty children with Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder and fifty age and sex-matched control group were evaluated. Measured ferritin levels in both groups and its relationship with DSM-4 score were investigated.

RESULTS

The mean serum ferritin level in patient group was 27±13,2 ng/ml and significantly lower than the control group with a mean value of 41±26 ng/ml. In Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder group, serum ferritin levels were not corelated with the score of the disease described in DSM-4 ( r=0.09; p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, iron deficiency is an etiologic factor in Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder but the severity of the symptoms on admission are not corelated with serum ferritin levels.