Can anxiety cause an increase in ferritin levels?

Whether anxiety causes elevated ferritin levels depends on the specific circumstances. Ordinary anxiety typically does not directly lead to increased levels, whereas long-term or severe anxiety may indirectly trigger elevation, primarily related to the body's state of stress.

Ferritin is an indicator reflecting iron storage in the body and is mainly influenced by iron intake, storage, and inflammatory responses. Common anxiety usually manifests as emotional tension, palpitations, and similar symptoms, affecting only the neuroendocrine system without directly interfering with iron metabolism. Therefore, it does not directly cause an increase in ferritin levels; in such cases, elevated ferritin is more likely associated with underlying conditions other than iron deficiency.

Long-term or severe anxiety can place the body in a persistent state of stress, potentially triggering chronic inflammatory responses. Inflammation can stimulate the liver to produce more ferritin, leading to elevated levels. Additionally, severe anxiety may disrupt eating patterns and sleep quality, causing metabolic disturbances that indirectly affect iron absorption and storage, further increasing the risk of abnormal ferritin levels.

In daily life, it is important to alleviate anxiety through techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, maintain regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles) and a balanced diet, and avoid behaviors like staying up late or excessive alcohol consumption that加重 (increase) the body's burden.