Serum dioxin and psychological functioning in U.S. Air Force veterans of the Vietnam War.
Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, we assessed the psychological functioning of U.S. Air Force veterans exposed to Agent Orange and its contaminant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin), during the Vietnam War. Index subjects were veterans of Operation Ranch Hand (N = 1,109). Comparisons (N = 1,493) were U.S. Air Force veterans not involved with spraying herbicides. We found few consistent psychological abnormalities associated with serum dioxin levels. Ranch Hand veterans with higher dioxin levels showed some difficulties in anxiety, somatization, depression, and a denial of psychological factors. However, those with background levels also showed indications of emotional distress, primarily in emotional numbing and lability; a guarded, suspicious, and withdrawn style of relating to others; and unusual thoughts or behaviors.
Michalek
Joel E
JE
U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Brooks Air Force Base, TX 78235-5137, USA.
Barrett
Drue H
DH
Morris
Robert D
RD
Jackson
William G
WG
D015085:2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015084:2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D000075182:Agent Orange; D003678:Defoliants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans; D014744:Vietnam; D014857:Warfare
D003678:Defoliants, Chemical; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D015084:2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid; D000075182:Agent Orange; D015085:2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid