Does Anemia Affect Mental Health?

But for some people with iron-deficiency anemia, the symptoms can be neurological and psychological in nature, too. In fact, fatigue, brain fog, and restless legs are often some of the first symptoms present in adults with iron-deficiency anemia. Other symptoms may include anxiety, depression, and irritability.

Can low iron affect your mental health?

Conclusion. Iron deficiency increased the risk of psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and developmental disorders. Further study is required to clarify the mechanism in the association between IDA and psychiatric disorder.

How does anemia affect the mind?

Recent findings: Severe anaemia, or low haematocrit, has been associated with cognitive dysfunction, impaired cerebral vascular regulation, neurological injury, and increased mortality, which suggests that the brain is vulnerable to anaemia-induced injury.