Cognitive performance, mental health, and quality of life in β-thalassemia individuals: a comprehensive analysis

Abstract Introduction Beta-thalassemia is a prevalent autosomal recessive haemolytic disorder, particularly in the Middle East. Patients with beta-thalassemia major (βTM) require iron chelation therapy and regular blood transfusions, while those with beta-thalassemia intermedia (βTI) exhibit milder symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate cognitive function, behavioural problems, quality of life, and related aspects in individuals with βTM and βTI. Methods The cross-sectional study included 20 βTM participants, 20 βTI participants, and 19 healthy controls. Participants underwent psychiatric interviews, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90R), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Clinical data and laboratory investigations were also collected. Results βTM participants exhibited lower vocabulary and picture completion scores on the WAIS-III compared to other groups. βTI participants had significantly higher scores on SCL-90R subscales for somatization, depression, anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. Both patient groups reported poorer quality of life across all SF-36 domains compared with controls. Longer disease duration correlated with lower levels of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, and paranoid ideation. Less frequent blood transfusions were associated with better physical and mental health summary scores but also higher somatization. Elevated serum iron levels corresponded with increased anxiety, hostility, and psychoticism symptoms, while higher serum ferritin related to more obsessive–compulsive behaviours but less somatization and psychoticism. Conclusions Individuals with thalassemia exhibit cognitive deficits, psychological disturbances, and diminished quality of life, with distinct patterns depending on disease severity. Regular monitoring and appropriate interventions are crucial for optimizing their overall well-being and functioning.