Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t7fkt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-22T14:11:28.577Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Effects of Thallium Poisoning on Intellectual Function

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Christopher Thompson*
Affiliation:
Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School
J. Dent
Affiliation:
Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury
P. Saxby
Affiliation:
Aylesbury Vale Health Authority
*
St Dunstan's Road, London W6 8RP

Abstract

A student of chemistry was treated for thallium poisoning. Seven months after his ingestion of thallium, intelligence tests were performed on the patient and his non-identical twin brother, who was of similar educational background. These indicated severe deterioration in intellectual function of the patient, particularly in memory and performance abilities. Tests 13 months after ingestion showed little general improvement.

Type
Brief Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1988 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Ginsburg, H. M. & Nixon, C. E. (1932) Thallium poisoning. Journal of the American Medical Association, 98, 10761077.Google Scholar
Grinker, R. R., Sahs, A. L. (1966) Neurology (6th edn). Springfield, Illinois: Thomas.Google Scholar
Hines, A. W., Watts, K. P. & Simmonds, V. (1983) AH6 Group Tests of High Level Intelligence. Windsor: NFER-Nelson.Google Scholar
Lishman, W. A. (1978) Organic Psychiatry. Oxford: Blackwell.Google Scholar
Nelson, H. (1982) National Adult Reading Test. Windsor: NFER-Nelson.Google Scholar
Reed, T. E., Crawley, J., Faro, S. N., Pieper, S. J. & Kurland, L. T. (1963) Thallotoxicosis. JAMA, 183, 516522.Google Scholar
Rey, A. (1959) Le Test de Copie de Figure Complexe. Paris: Edition Centre de Psychologie Appliqué.Google Scholar
Warrington, E. (1984) Recognition Memory Test. Windsor: NFER-Nelson.Google Scholar
Wechsler, D. (1981) Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Revised. Windsor: NFER-Nelson.Google Scholar
Wechsler, D. & Stone, C. (1973) Wechsler Memory Scale. Windsor: NFER-Nelson.Google Scholar
Submit a response

eLetters

No eLetters have been published for this article.