Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Psychosis Induced by Chronic Toluene Exposure: Case Review and Antipsychotic Treatment Approaches
Year: 2025
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Introduction This case of a 79-year-old patient with inferred past exposure to toluene and persistent paranoid delusions illustrates the potential neuropsychiatric consequences of solvent exposure. The patient’s work as a car painter (1990-1992) aligns with literature highlighting the neurotoxic effects of organic solvents. Despite no direct evidence of exposure, treatment with Zuclopentixol 200 mg Depot every two weeks led to symptom improvement, reflecting findings on toluene-related neuropsychiatric disorders such as psychosis. Objectives - Present a potential case of toluene-induced psychosis. - Review the etiopathogenesis and treatment. - Assess evidence linking chronic solvent exposure with neuropsychiatric disorders. Methods A literature search using PubMed databases was conducted with keywords: (toluene OR xylene OR volatile organic compounds OR organic solvents) AND (psychosis OR schizophrenia OR mental disorders). Case series and observational studies were reviewed. No randomized clinical trials on antipsychotic treatment for toluene-induced psychosis were found. Limitations The patient’s exposure to toluene was inferred based on work history, without direct evidence such as biomarkers or occupational assessments. As most studies are case series, results must be interpreted with caution. There is a lack of randomized controlled trials exploring antipsychotic treatments in solvent-induced psychosis. Results Chronic exposure to toluene is associated with cognitive impairment, memory deficits, personality changes, and psychosis. Neuroimaging often reveals white matter alterations and cerebral atrophy in chronic users. Rare cases of irreversible schizophreniform psychosis have been documented. Treatment with atypical antipsychotics like risperidone shows variable efficacy, but outcomes differ between patients. In this case, Zuclopentixol 200 mg Depot every two weeks led to significant symptom reduction. Conclusions Chronic toluene exposure can result in severe neuropsychiatric disorders, including psychosis, as demonstrated by this 79-year-old patient. Neuroimaging showed cerebral atrophy and white matter changes in long-term exposure cases. Treatment with Zuclopentixol effectively reduced symptoms, despite the limited literature, which is mostly based on case series. Randomized clinical trials are needed to develop standardized treatment protocols. Additionally, occupational safety measures are critical to preventing adverse effects from solvent exposure. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
Source: European Psychiatry
Authors: A. Romero Teruel, A. Vives Luengo, P. Vazquez Giraldo, B. Franco Lovaco, G. Vega
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,300
OpenAlex ID: W4414208526
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