Case report highlights effects of toxins on mental health

Citing the case of a teacher whose psychiatric symptoms stemmed from toxic exposure, Stephen Genuis urges medical professionals to take such toxins into account when screening patients with psychiatric problems.

Genuis notes that humans are now exposed to a wide range of environmental toxins that not only affect overall health but “can profoundly affect brain function and alter human emotion, thinking, and behavior.” As a case in point, he describes the case of a 24-year-old primary school teacher who developed severe and potentially dangerous behavior.

The young man initially experienced symptoms of depression, insomnia, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts. He also was frightened by intrusive thoughts revolving around harming his students. He failed to benefit from psychological counseling or treatment with psychiatric drugs, and was forced to take a leave of absence from his job because of his fears that he might harm someone. A physician eventually told the man he had a chronic mental illness requiring lifelong treatment.

By the time the man made an appointment with Genuis, a physician trained in environmental medicine, he was suicidal. Tests revealed that he had high levels of mercury, probably as a result of eating canned tuna daily for several years. Seafood, including canned tuna, is a significant source of mercury exposure.

After avoiding tuna and undergoing treatment to reduce mercury levels in his body, the man experienced rapid improvement. Within eight months, his symptoms resolved entirely and he was able to discontinue all medication and return to work.

Genuis notes that many people are at risk for mercury-related symptoms, pointing out that “one-quarter of adult New Yorkers, roughly 1.4 million people, have elevated levels of mercury in their blood from fish consumption, according to a study released by the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.” In addition, he notes that a host of other toxins, ranging from lead to hormone-altering endocrine disruptors, have the potential to impair mental function.

Physicians need to be aware, Genuis says, that mental symptoms may result from “stockpiles” of toxins stored by the body over many years, and that merely removing current sources may not be adequate. Also, he says, specialized laboratory testing may be necessary to identify toxins responsible for altering behavior.

He concludes, “[W]ith the recognition that human thinking and human behavior can be profoundly influenced by chemical exposure and resultant bioaccumulation, it is important to rule out recent adverse exposure or accrued toxicants as contributing factors to aggression, crime, sexual deviancy, and other disordered behavior.”

“Toxicant exposure and mental health—individual, social, and public health considerations,” Stephen J. Genuis, Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol. 54, No. 2, March 2009, 1-4. Address: Stephen J. Genuis, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, 2935-66 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6K 4C1.