title: [Some psychological characteristics of persons exposed to small-dose methylated mercury].
abstract: In the area polluted by the man-caused mercury in the Angara River reservoir, there is fish accumulation of the toxic substance in the quantities exceeding the standard values by 2-4 times. The psychological characteristics of the persons exposed to mercury load due to fish ingestion were studied. A screening survey revealed the high situational and personality anxiety in 33.9 +/- 6.2 and 53.9 +/- 6.2% of the examinees, respectively. Lower logical and abstract thinking abilities were observed in 92.7 +/- 2.8% of the respondents. Poorer attention, significant fatiguability, and distraction were seen. According to the level of mercury in the biosubstrates, a risk group (n = 26) was formed, which was examined in the inpatient setting. The high prevalence of emotional instability and neurotism was revealed. When examined by a psychiatrist, 9 persons were recognized as apparently healthy. It is necessary to continue studies to objectivize the conclusion that small-dose methylmercury affects mental health.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: D'iakovich
authors.forename: N V
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Efimova
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005396:Fish Products / Q000592:standards; D005399:Fishes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008628:Mercury / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis*; D020262:Mercury Poisoning, Nervous System / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008745:Methylation; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D008628:Mercury