Investigation of periperipheral inflammatory biomarkers, serum B12, folate and ferritin levels in adults with adhd

Introduction and Objective: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that begin in childhood. Although its etiology is not yet fully understood, genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors are thought to play a role. Recent studies suggest that inflammation may be associated with ADHD. This study aimed to evaluate peripheral inflammatory biomarkers, including Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Monocyte/Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), as well as serum B12, folate, and ferritin levels in adults with ADHD (A-ADHD) and compare them with a healthy control group. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between June 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024, at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Dursun Odabaş Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry. It included 35 adults diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-5 criteria and 30 healthy adult controls. Demographic data were recorded, and blood samples were collected to analyze inflammatory biomarkers obtained from complete blood count (CBC) and serum B12, folate, and ferritin levels. Group differences were statistically analyzed. Results: In the adult ADHD group, significant differences were observed in WBC, platelet count, neutrophil count, and MCV values compared to the healthy control group (p<.05). WBC, platelet, and neutrophil counts were higher, while MCV levels were lower in the ADHD group. However, no significant differences were found in hemoglobin, basophil, eosinophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, MPV, and PDW values between the groups (p>.05). The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) was significantly higher in the ADHD group (p<.05), while no significant differences were observed in NLR, PLR, MLR, BLO, and ELO values (p>.05). Serum folate levels were significantly lower in the ADHD group compared to the healthy control group (p<.05). However, no significant differences were detected between the groups in terms of serum B12 and ferritin levels (p>.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest alterations in inflammatory biomarkers and hematological parameters in adults with ADHD. Increased WBC, neutrophil, and platelet counts, along with lower folate levels, may indicate a relationship between inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, and ADHD symptomatology. Considering these variations in hematological and nutritional parameters, individualized treatment approaches and potential anti-inflammatory interventions may be important in managing ADHD symptoms.