Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Toxin Disorders

  • Chapter
Book cover Neuropsychiatric Features of Medical Disorders

Part of the book series: Critical Issues in Psychiatry ((CIPS))

  • 64 Accesses

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric manifestations may be seen following exposure to mercury. The signs and symptoms vary with the form and type of compound involved. Although elemental mercury is not absorbed, poisoning may occur from mercury vapors, organic compounds, and soluble and insoluble inorganic compounds. Acute mercury poisoning, usually the result of ingestion of soluble salts such as mercury chloride, either by accident or with suicidal intent, is an acute medical crisis. Symptoms occur quickly and are caused by severe local inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and renal toxicity. Anuria and uremia are the usual causes of death.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Adamson JS, Flanigan WJ, Ackerman GL: Treatment of bromide intoxication with ethacrynic acid and mannitol diuresis. Ann Intern Med 65: 749 – 752, 1966.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Agate JN, Buchnell M: Mercury poisoning from fingerprint photography; An occupational hazard of policemen. Lancet 2: 451 – 454, 1949.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baloh R, Sturm R, Green B, Glesen G: Neuropsychological effect of chronic asymptomatic increased lead absorption. Arch Neurol 32: 326 – 330, 1975.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Benning D: Outbreak of mercury poisoning in Ohio. Ind Med Surg 27: 354 – 363, 1958.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Biskind MS, Mobbs RE: Psychiatric manifestations from insecticide exposure. JAMA 220: 1248 – 1250, 1972.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blench TH, Brindle H: Fingerprint detection and mercury poisoning. Lancet 1: 378 – 380, 1951.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blume RS, MacLowry JD, Wolff SM: Limitations of chloride determination in the diagnosis of bromism. N Eng J Med 279: 593 – 595, 1968.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bowers MB, Goodman E, Sim VM: Some behavioral changes in man following anticholinesterase administration. J Nery Ment Dis 138: 383 – 389, 1964.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Browne DC, McHardy G, Edwards EW: Amebiasis: A clinical evaluation. New Orleans Med Surg J 102: 475 – 481, 1950.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buge A, Pancurel G, Poisson M, et al: Twenty cases of acute encephalopathy with myoclonia during treatment with oral bismuth salts. Ann Med Interne (Paris) 125: 877 – 888, 1974.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burns R, Thomas DW, Barron VJ: Reversal encephalopathy possibly associated with bismuth subgallate ingestion. Br Med J 1: 220 – 223, 1974.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carney MWP: Five cases of bromism. Lancet 2: 523 - 524, 1971.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carney MWP: Bromism—A clinical chameleon. Nursing Times 69:859-860, 1973. Cassells DK, Dodds EC: Tetra-ethyl lead poisoning. Br Med J 2: 681 – 685, 1946.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheatham JS, Chobot EF: The clinical diagnosis and treatment of lead encephalopathy. South Med J 61: 529 – 531, 1968.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cole M, Scheulein M, Kerwin DM: Arsenical encephalopathy due to the use of milibis. Arch Intern Med 117: 706 – 711, 1966.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Conyers RJ, Goldsmith LE: A case of organophosphorus-induced psychosis. Med J Aust 58: 27 – 29, 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crutcher IC: Clincial manifestations and therapy of acute lead intoxication due to the ingestion of illicitly distilled alcohol. Ann Intern Med 59: 707 – 715, 1963.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dille JR, Smith TW: Central nervous system effects of chronic exposure to organophosphate insecticides. Aerosp Med 35: 475 – 478, 1964.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durham WF, Wolfe HR, Quinby GE: Organophosphorus insecticides and mental alertness. Arch Environ Health 10: 55 – 66, 1965.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ewing JA, Grant WJ: The bromide hazard. South Med J 58: 148 – 152, 1965.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Felton JS, Kahn E, Salick B, et al. Heavy metal poisoning: Mercury and lead. Ann Intern Med 76: 779 – 792, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischbein A, Rice C, Sarkozi L, Kon SH, Petrocci M, Selikoff IJ: Exposure to lead in firing ranges. JAMA 241: 1141 – 1144, 1979.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Frank G: Neurologische and psychiarische folgesymptomie bei akuter arsen-wasserstoff-vergiftung. J Neurol 70: 213 – 259, 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freeman JA: Mercurial disease among hatters. Trans NJ State Med Soc 61: 64, 1860.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freeman JW, Couch JR: Prolonged encephalopathy with arsenic poisoning. Neurology 28: 853 - 855, 1978.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Frost J, Paulsen E: Poisoning due to parathion and other organophosphorous insecticides in Denmark. Dan Med Bull 11: 169 - 173, 1964.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gastaut JL, Tassinari CA, Terzano G, et al: Etude polygraphique de l'ence thalopathie myoclonique bismuthique. Revue EEG at Neurophysiologie Clinique 3: 295 - 302, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gershon S, Shaw FH: Psychiatric sequelae of chronic exposure to organophosphorus insecticides. Lancet 1: 1371 - 1374, 1961.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gowdy JM, Demers FX: Whole blood mercury levels in mental hospital patients. Am J Psychiatry 135: 115 - 117, 1978.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gowdy JM, Demers FX, Yates RL: Blood mercury levels in a hospitalized urban population. J Sci Total Environ (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Grob D, Harvey A: The effects and treatment of nerve gas poisoning. Am J Med 14: 52 - 63, 1953.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hanes FM, Yates A: An analysis of four hundred instances of chronic bromide intoxication. South Med J 31: 667 - 671, 1938.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harvey SC: Heavy metals, in Goodman LS, Gilman W (eds): The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, ed 4. New York, MacMillan Co., 1970, p 967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harvey SC: Heavy metals, in Goodman LS, Gilman W (eds): The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, ed 5. New York, MacMillan Co., 1975, pp 924 - 928.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunter D: Industrial poisoning: V. Mercury. Brit Encyclopedia of Medical Practice 12:139-140, London, Butterworth, 1939.

    Google Scholar 

  • Janowsky DS, El-Yousef MK, Davis JM, et al: A cholinergic–adrenergic hypothesis of mania and depression. Lancet 2: 632 - 635, 1972.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Janowsky DS, El-Yousef MK, Davis JM, et al. Antagonistic effects of physostigmine and methylphenidate in man. Am J Psychiatry 130: 1370 - 1376, 1973.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins RB: Inorganic arsenic and the nervous system. Brain 89: 479 - 498, 1966.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krüger G, Thomas DJ: Disturbed oxidative metabolism in organic brain syndrome caused by bismuth in skin creams. Lancet 4: 485 - 487, 1976.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Law WR, Nelson ER: Gasoline sniffing by an adult: Report of a case with the unusual complication of lead encephalopathy. JAMA 204: 1002 - 1004, 1968.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Levin HS, Rodnitzky RL, Mick DL: Anxiety associated with exposure to organophosphate compounds. Arch Gen Psychiatry 33: 225 - 228, 1976.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Levin M: Bromide psychosis: Four varieties. Am J Psychiatry 104: 798 - 800, 1948.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McDanal CE, Owens D, Bolman WM: Bromide abuse: A continuing problem. Am J Psychiatry 131: 913 - 915, 1974.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maghazaji HI: Psychiatric aspects of methyl mercury poisoning. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 37: 954 - 958, 1974.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Metcalf DR, Holmes JH: EEG, psychological and neurological alterations in humans with organophosphate exposure. Ann NY Acad Sci 160: 357 - 365, 1969.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller G, Chamberlain R, McCormack WM: An outbreak of neuromyasthenia in a Kentucky factory—the possible role of a brief exposure to organic mercury. Am JEpidemiol 86: 756 - 764, 1967.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Monseu G, Struelens M, Roland M: Bismuth encephalopathy. Acta Neurol Belg 76: 301 - 308, 1976.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan JM, Oh Sj, Linn GE: Lead neuropathy in alcoholics. Ala J Med Sci 8: 67 - 74, 1971.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morris CE, Heyman A, Pozefsky T: Lead encephalopathy caused by ingestion of illicitly distilled whiskey. Neurology 14: 493 - 499, 1964.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muller DJ: Bromide intoxication continues to occur. Tex Med 64: 72 - 73, 1968.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Namba T, Nolte CT, Jackrel J, et al: Poisoning due to organophosphate insecticides: Acute and chronic manifestations. Am J Med 50: 475 - 492, 1971.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Neal PA, Jones RR: Chronic mercurialism in the hatters' fur-cutting industry. JAMA 110: 337 - 342, 1938.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Needleman HL, Scanlon J: Getting the lead out. N Engl J Med 288: 466 - 467, 1973.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Okinaka S, Yoshikawa M, Mozai T, et al: Encephalomyelopathy due to an organic mercury compound. Neurology 14: 69 - 76, 1964.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Palatucci DM: Paradoxical halide levels in bromide intoxication. Neurology 28: 1189 - 1191, 1978.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pearlstein MA, Attala R: Neurologic sequelae of plumbism in children. Clin Pediatr 5: 292 - 294, 1966.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Perkins HA: Bromide intoxication. Arch Intern Med 85: 783 - 794, 1950.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pleasure JR, Blackburn MG: Neonatal bromide intoxication: Prenatal ingestion of a large quantity of bromides with transplacental accumulation in the fetus. Pediatrics 55: 503 - 506, 1975.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Poskanzer DC: Heavy metals, in Thorn GW, Adams RD, Braunwald E, et al (eds): Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, ed 8. New York, McGraw–Hill, 1977, p 706.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raskind MA, Kitchell M, Alvarez C: Bromide intoxication in the elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc 26: 222 - 224, 1978.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RedHead IH: Poisoning on the farm. Lancet 1: 686 - 687, 1968.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reich GA, Davis JH, Davis JE: Pesticide poisoning in South Florida. Arch Environ Health (Chicago) 17: 768 - 771, 1968.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reick RR: Chronic bromide intoxication. Minn Med 54: 995 - 996, 1971.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Repko JD, Corum CR: Critical review and evaluation of the neurologic behavioral sequelae of inorganic lead absorption. Crit Rev Toxicol 6: 135 - 187, 1979.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Robertson JF: Mental illness or metal illness? Bismuth subgallate. Med J Aust 1: 887 - 888, 1974a.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Robertson JF: Comments: Bismuth subgallate poisoning. Med J Aust 2: 648 - 649, 1974b.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodnitzky RL, Levin MS, Mick DL: Occupational exposure to organophosphate pesticides. Arch Environ Health 30: 98 - 103, 1975.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rollins RL, Cefalu SJ: Bromide ingestion in alcoholics. NC Med J 29: 342 - 343, 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross WD, Gechman AS, Sholiton MC, et al: Need for alertness to neuropsychiatric manifestations of inorganic mercury poisoning. Compr Psychiatry 18: 595 – 599, 1977.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rowntree DW, Nevin S, Wilson A: The effects of iisopropylfluorophosphonate in schizo-phrenia and manic-depressive psychosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 13: 472 – 478, 1950.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders LW: Tetraethyl lead intoxication. Arch Environ Health 8: 270 – 277, 1964.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schenk VW, Stolk PJ: Psychosis following arsenic (possible thallium) poisoning. Psychiatr Neurol Neurochir 70: 31 – 37, 1967.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Segal I, Saffer D, Segal F: Diverse neurologic manifestations of lead encephalopathy. S Afr Med J 48: 1721 – 1722, 1974.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Serpe SJ: Bromide intoxication. New York State J Med 72: 2086 – 2088, 1972.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sharpless SK: Hypnotics and sedatives. II. Miscellaneous agents, in Goodman LS, Gilman A (eds): The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, ed 4. New York, Macmillan Co., 1970, pp 121 – 123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snyder RD: The involuntary movements of chronic mercury poisoning. Arch Neurol 26: 379 – 381, 1972.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stoller A, Krupinski J, Christophers AJ, et al: Organophosphorus insecticides and major mental illness. Lancet 1: 1387 – 1388, 1965.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Study Group of Minamata Disease: Minamata Disease, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan, 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  • Supino-Viterbo V, Sicard C, Riszegliato M, et al: Toxic encephalopathy due to ingestion of bismuth salts: Clinical and EEG studies of 45 patients. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 40: 748 – 752, 1977.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tabershaw JR, Cooper WC: Sequelae of acute organic phosphate poisoning. J Occup Med 8: 5 – 8, 1966.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor CC: Chemical toxicity in mental disorder. Am J Psychiatry 131: 609, 1974.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Toivonen T, Ohela K, Kaipain WJ: Parathion poisoning. Increasing frequently in Finland. Lancet 2: 175, 1959.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Trump DL, Hochberg MC: Bromide intoxication. Johns Hopkins Med J 138: 119 – 123, 1976.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Victor M, Adams RD, Collins GH: The Wernicke—Korsakoff Syndrome. Philadelphia, Davis, 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilkinson P, Horvath TB, Santamaria JN, et al: Bromism in association with alcoholism: A report of 5 cases. Med J Aust 1: 1352 – 1355, 1969.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wuth O: Rational bromide treatment. JAMA 88: 2013 – 2017, 1927.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    James W. Jefferson M.D. & John R. Marshall M.D.

Authors
  1. James W. Jefferson M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. John R. Marshall M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1981 Plenum Publishing Corporation

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Jefferson, J.W., Marshall, J.R. (1981). Toxin Disorders. In: Neuropsychiatric Features of Medical Disorders. Critical Issues in Psychiatry. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-3920-5_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-3920-5_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-3922-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-3920-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation