G HIZLI, İ AYDIN, H BULUT, A B ARSLAN
Türkiye'de Psikiyatri - 2009;11(1):45-47
Mercury (Hg) poisoning in is a rare but life threatening condition and may cause serious complications. Historically mercury was used in the making of hats. The psychological symptoms associated with mercury poisoning have inspired the phrase “mad as a hatter”. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of Hg intoxication, which may lead to impairment of the developing central nervous system, as well as pulmonary and kidney disorders in exposed persons who inhale mercury vapors. This case emphasizes the importance of a detailed history taking especially in children and adolescents presenting with anxiety symptoms. This case study describes the neuropsychiatric complications of mercury intoxication in a 16-year-old female patient. Though it is a rare condition, mercury-poisoning must be ruled out if a previously healthy patient develops unusual psychiatric and neurological symptoms.
