Korean J Intern Med.  2008 Mar;23(1):1-4. 10.3904/kjim.2008.23.1.1.

Clinical Observation of 12 Farmers Who Believe Themselves to Have Suffered from Chronic Pesticide Intoxication

• Hong ZR
• Hong SY
• Han MJ
• Lee HS
• Gil HO
• Yang JO
• Lee EY
• Hong SY

• KMID: 1382654
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2008.23.1.1

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.

Keyword

Medically unexplained physical symptoms; Depression; Chronic pesticide intoxication; Farmers

MeSH Terms

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