Prevalence of psychiatric disorders and suicidality among children and adolescents with thalassemia major-A Turkish sample

Abstract

The current study examined psychiatric diagnoses and suicidality in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia major via a semi-structured interview (K-SADS). Although 4 subjects were diagnosed with major depressive disorder, 24 subjects (40.7%) had depressed mood and irritability, whereas anhedonia and boredom were detected in 23 (39.0%) subjects. Suicidal thoughts were expectedly more prevalent (28.8%) than suicidal intention (5.1%) and suicide attempts (1.7%). Children with thalassemia major may be an under-risk population for subclinical forms of depression and suicidality. Offering routine screening for mental health problems can lead to early identification and treatment.