Mental health status in patients with Thalassemia major in Iran

Thalassemia major is a genetic blood disorder that is detected by the symptoms of chronic and severe anemia, failure to thrive, an enlarged liver and spleen, bone deformities particularlya deformed face and bulging forehead. Due to changes in physical appearance, the disease can influence on other aspects of the patient's life, so the disease could strongly impact on the mental health of these patients and their families. Previous studies show that 80% of patients with thalassemia major have at least one psychiatric disorder. The aim of this paper is to review the mental health status of patients with Beta-thalassemia major in Iran.