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Arsenicosis: Is it a Protective or Predisposing Factor for Mental Illness?
Devosri Sen1, Partha Sarathi Biswas
1Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Psychiatry (C.I.P.), Kanke, Ranchi, India.
Iranian Journal of Psychiatry
|February 15, 2013
Summary
Chronic arsenic poisoning (Arsenicosis) significantly increases the risk of psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. This study highlights the need for mental health screenings in arsenicosis patients.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuropsychiatry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Chronic arsenic poisoning (Arsenicosis) is a global health concern with potential effects on physical and mental well-being.
- Previous research suggests therapeutic doses of arsenic may improve fitness, but systematic studies on psychiatric comorbidities are lacking.
- Understanding the impact of natural arsenic exposure on mental health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in patients diagnosed with Arsenicosis.
- To investigate whether natural arsenic exposure and toxicity are protective or detrimental to mental health.
- To address the scarcity of systematic research on psychiatric conditions associated with Arsenicosis.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1169 adult patients (18-65 years) with Arsenicosis was assessed.
- The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) were used for initial screening of psychiatric symptoms.
- 191 patients with a BPRS score > 30 underwent structured interviews using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN).
Main Results:
- Approximately 18.99% of the assessed Arsenicosis patients exhibited psychiatric ailments.
- The most common psychiatric manifestations included depression (8.47%) and mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (4.61%).
- Other observed conditions included adjustment disorders and suicidal attempts (1.53%).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Arsenicosis patients is higher than in the general population of the same region.
- Routine screening for psychological disorders is recommended for individuals with Arsenicosis.
- Further controlled studies are necessary to elucidate the precise impact of Arsenicosis on mental health.
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