Neuropsychological Assessment, Depression, and Past Exposure to Organic Solvents

Abstract

This study assessed neuropsychological performance in persons with a history of exposure to organic solvents and nonexposed healthy controls. Structured clinical interviews were also done to determine current Axis I diagnosis of mood disorder to assess the contribution of mood disorder to neuropsychological performance. Solvent-exposed participants were found to have significantly reduced scores on 3 of 5 neuropsychological clusters (learning and memory, visuospatial, psychomotor speed) compared to controls. No differences were found between the groups on measures of general intelligence. Within the exposed group, 50% met current Axis I criteria for mood disorder. Hierarchical multiple regression, controlling for age and education, revealed that mood disorder was significantly related to performance on only the visuospatial domain. There was no association between mood disorder and measures of learning and memory, attention, motor speed, and general intelligence. Higher ratings of past exposure were associated with poorer scores on learning and memory tests and slower times on speeded tests. These findings are consistent with other research documenting deficits in neuropsychological and psychiatric functioning in exposed workers.

Education for men with solvent-induced chronic toxic encephalopathy and their spouses

“…In a recent study, Morrow et al [8] found no differences between exposed and non-exposed subjects on measures of general intelligence. Owing to the slow development of the disorder, both the patients and their families are often very concerned about what is actually going on and the growing emotional instability influences both family members and their social relations.…”

Occupational chronic solvent encephalopathy in Finland 1995–2007: incidence and exposure

“…The high proportion (47 of 109; 43%) of rejected cases with clinical picture or neuropsychological test proWle unsuitable for CSE-even though the life-time solvent exposure in 16 of 47 (34%) cases was considered suYcient-highlights the importance of profound multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation with treatment of other aetiologies and follow-up. Improved understanding of the characteristics of CSE and the relevance of sleep (Viaene et al 2009) and mood disorders (Morrow et al 2001) in the diVerential diagnostics may have resulted in an increment of the proportion of cases where other factors than solvent exposure are considered to be the major aetiology (44% of the rejected cases). This is also reXected in the decreased number of CSE cases, although the general diagnostic procedure and criteria have remained unchanged.…”

Self-reported symptoms and their effects on cognitive functioning in workers with past exposure to solvent-based glues: an 18-year follow-up

“…Fatigue, memory deWcits, concentration diYculties and irritability are among the most frequently reported symptoms associated with occupational solvent exposure in patients as well as solvent-exposed workers (Baker 1994;Chen et al 1999;Fidler et al 1987;Ng et al 1990). A number of studies report evidence of self-reported depressive mood and some studies have revealed an increased risk of developing depressive disorders (Bolla et al 1990;Bowler et al 2001;Linz et al 1986;Morrow et al 2001;Triebig et al 1992;Morrow et al 2000;Condray et al 2000). In the initial investigation of the Xoor layers under investigation, a history of depression or depressive disorders was reported more often by Xoor layers with long (i.e.…”

“…Depressive mood disorder has been found to be a signiWcant predictor for visuospatial tests in solventexposed patients (Morrow et al 2001). In the present study, visuospatial skill performance was signiWcantly associated with concentration diYculties and having to write notes to assist memory.…”