Erethism

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Erethism
Synonyms	Mad hatter disease, mad hatter syndrome
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Neurology, Psychiatry
Symptoms	Irritability, shyness, depression, insomnia, headache, fatigue, memory loss
Complications	Tremor, emotional lability, delirium
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Mercury poisoning
Risks	Occupational exposure (e.g., hat-making)
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, history of exposure
Differential diagnosis	Anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
Prevention	Avoidance of mercury exposure
Treatment	Removal from exposure, chelation therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on duration and level of exposure
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Erethism or Erethism Mercurialis is a neurological disorder which results from mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning is a type of metal poisoning due to exposure to mercury. Symptoms depend upon the type, dose, method, and duration of exposure. They may include muscle weakness, poor coordination, numbness in the hands and feet, skin rashes, anxiety, memory problems, trouble speaking, trouble hearing, or trouble seeing. Erethism is characterized by behavioral changes such as irritability, low self-confidence, depression, apathy, shyness and timidity, and in some extreme cases with prolonged exposure to mercury vapors, delirium.

Causes

The main cause of Erethism is exposure to mercury. This can occur in a variety of settings, including occupational exposure in industries using mercury, accidental exposure in the home, and exposure through the consumption of mercury-contaminated food or water.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Erethism is based on the patient's clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The clinical history may reveal exposure to mercury, and physical examination may reveal signs of mercury poisoning. Laboratory tests can confirm the presence of mercury in the body.

Treatment

Treatment for Erethism involves removing the source of mercury exposure and providing supportive care. In some cases, chelation therapy may be used to remove mercury from the body

Images

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  Erethism

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  Erethism

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  Erethism

See Also

• Mercury poisoning
• Metal poisoning
• Neurological disorders

References

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