Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition in children, with an unclear etiology involving multiple genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies suggest a potential link between micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and the pathophysiology of ADHD. Serum ferritin, as a marker of iron stores, may provide insights into this association. This study aims to examine the correlation between serum ferritin levels and the presence, as well as the severity, of ADHD in school‐aged children. A cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 200 school‐aged children, divided equally between those diagnosed with ADHD and healthy controls, matched by age and sex. Serum ferritin levels were measured and compared between the two groups. ADHD was diagnosed based on DSM‐5 criteria and the severity of symptoms was also assessed. Statistical analysis included t‐tests, ANOVA and ROC curve assessments to explore the differences and potential diagnostic utility of serum ferritin levels. The results indicated that children with ADHD had significantly lower mean serum ferritin levels (18.4 ng/mL) compared to controls (34.7 ng/mL), with a p‐value of 0.005. Furthermore, serum ferritin levels inversely correlated with the severity of ADHD symptoms, with the lowest levels observed in children with severe ADHD (15.3 ng/mL). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated a strong potential for serum ferritin to serve as a biomarker for ADHD diagnosis, with an AUC of 0.79. The findings suggest a significant association between lower serum ferritin levels and ADHD in children. These results support the hypothesis that iron deficiency may play a role in the etiology of ADHD and highlight the potential of serum ferritin as a biomarker for diagnosing ADHD in school‐aged children.
How to cite this article:
Yogesh Madhukar Salunkhe and Purushottam Rathi. Correlation of Serum Ferritin Levels with Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in School‐Aged Children.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.200.204
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.200.204