Neuropsychological and behavioral sequelae of amitriptyline overdose in infancy.
This study reports on the neuropsychological and behavioral problems of a 3(1/2) year-old boy who was poisoned by his Nanny with a massive dose of amitriptyline hydrochloride subsequent to a period of supranormal development. At the age of 8 months, the child was discovered at home in respiratory distress (he was "blue and not breathing"). Blood gases and toxin screens revealed a serum level of 1065 ng/ml for amitriptyline. The parents have reported a series of serious behavioral and emotional problems since this incident. Neuropsychological data gathered recently at the age of 3(1/2) years indicated a variety of nonfocal signs. Language development, serial processing skills, and attentional mechanisms showed the greatest degree of impairment.
Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843, USA.
C R
CR
Reynolds
J A
JA
Hickman