Clinical Observation of 12 Farmers Who Believe Themselves to Have Suffered from Chronic Pesticide Intoxication.
- Author:
Zoong Rock HONG
1
;
So Young HONG
;
Mi Jung HAN
;
Hae Seung LEE
;
Hyo Ook GIL
;
Jong O YANG
;
En Yung LEE
;
Sae Yong HONG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords: Medically unexplained physical symptoms; Depression; Chronic pesticide intoxication; Farmers
- MeSH: Aged; Agricultural Workers' Diseases/*diagnosis/psychology; Chronic Disease; Environmental Illness/*diagnosis/psychology; Female; Humans; Korea; Male; Middle Aged; Observation; *Occupational Exposure; Pesticides/*poisoning; Psychological Tests
- From:The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2008;23(1):1-4
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: BACKGROUND/AIMS: We assessed twelve cases of suspected chronic pesticide intoxication, with medically unexplained physical symptoms. METHODS: Complete blood cell count (CBC), blood chemistry, routine urinalysis, chest X-ray, ECG, gastrofiberscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, neuroselective sensory nerve conduction threshold, and psychological assessment were performed on 12 farmers who believe themselves to have suffered from chronic pesticide intoxication. RESULTS: No specific abnormalities were observed on CBC, routine urinalysis, chest X-ray, ECG, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, or peripheral nerve conduction velocity test. They persistently manifested helplessness, depression, and anxiety. The results of both psychological assessment and general physical examination revealed the following clinical features: depression (8 cases), multiple chemical hypersensitivity syndrome (2 cases), alcoholism (1 case), and religious preoccupation (1 case). CONCLUSION: In those living in the western rural area of South Korea, depression is a prominent ongoing presentation in pesticide-exposed farmers, in addition to unexplainable physical symptoms.
