PSYCHIATRIC ASPECTS OF CHEMICAL POLLUTION

Abstract

This study was operated to investigate the psychiatric effects of chemical pollution by insecticides and volatile substances. The present study included two steps:

The first step:

The first step included three groups each group included 500 individuals:

1- Solvents-exposed group

2- Insecticides exposed group

3- Control group

The three groups subjected to:

Detailed occupational history, screening for psychiatric symptoms and/or disorders by the General Health Questionnaire and evaluation of all subjects for the presence of psychiatric and/or organic symptoms.

2- The second step:-

The subjects with positive GHQ reJults (85 solvents-exposed individuals and 80 insecticides exposed individuals) passed through the second step of the study that included:- 1- Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis of any psychiatric disorders meeting the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. 2- Psychometric studies included:

*MMPI

*Bender Gestalt Test

* Trail Making Test part A and B

*Digit span, digit symbol and information subtests of

WAIS.