Rare case of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in a young Indian woman

Chronic oral abuse of naphthalene balls is extremely rare. It is associated with different types of metabolic toxicity, neurological deficits and multiple organ failure. However, the psychological implication of naphthalene abuse is poorly understood. This is a unique case report of a 29-year-old la...

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Main Authors: Pratibha Meena, Gitanjali Narayanan, Pratima Murthy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2023-01-01
Series:Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.jfmpc.com/article.asp?issn=2249-4863;year=2023;volume=12;issue=11;spage=2973;epage=2975;aulast=Meena
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author Pratibha Meena
Gitanjali Narayanan
Pratima Murthy
author_facet Pratibha Meena
Gitanjali Narayanan
Pratima Murthy
author_sort Pratibha Meena
collection DOAJ
description Chronic oral abuse of naphthalene balls is extremely rare. It is associated with different types of metabolic toxicity, neurological deficits and multiple organ failure. However, the psychological implication of naphthalene abuse is poorly understood. This is a unique case report of a 29-year-old lady who presented with a 17 year history of naphthalene ball consumption. Historically, there have been self-harm behaviors, fire setting, cleaning compulsions, and involuntary motor movements associated with naphthalene. A series of assessments were conducted to assess her personality, psychiatric symptoms and cognitive functions. Additionally, blood tests, CT scan and MRI were done. The patient's profile indicated no apparent medical, neurological or cognitive impairments. Her psychological profile revealed significant co-morbidities and marked personality pathology. The case study provides useful insights into the presentation of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in an Indian woman, thereby indicating the need to identify psychosocial and biological markers longitudinally. It also highlights recognition of common household items that can be abused, suggesting better understanding of protecting vulnerable individuals from the same.
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spelling doaj.art-3666e2e2a3dd4a07a4cae8ff56b81c722024-04-01T06:00:15ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of Family Medicine and Primary Care2249-48632023-01-0112112973297510.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_352_23Rare case of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in a young Indian womanPratibha MeenaGitanjali NarayananPratima MurthyChronic oral abuse of naphthalene balls is extremely rare. It is associated with different types of metabolic toxicity, neurological deficits and multiple organ failure. However, the psychological implication of naphthalene abuse is poorly understood. This is a unique case report of a 29-year-old lady who presented with a 17 year history of naphthalene ball consumption. Historically, there have been self-harm behaviors, fire setting, cleaning compulsions, and involuntary motor movements associated with naphthalene. A series of assessments were conducted to assess her personality, psychiatric symptoms and cognitive functions. Additionally, blood tests, CT scan and MRI were done. The patient's profile indicated no apparent medical, neurological or cognitive impairments. Her psychological profile revealed significant co-morbidities and marked personality pathology. The case study provides useful insights into the presentation of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in an Indian woman, thereby indicating the need to identify psychosocial and biological markers longitudinally. It also highlights recognition of common household items that can be abused, suggesting better understanding of protecting vulnerable individuals from the same.http://www.jfmpc.com/article.asp?issn=2249-4863;year=2023;volume=12;issue=11;spage=2973;epage=2975;aulast=Meenamothball toxicitynaphthalene ball ingestionpsychosocial factors inhalants
spellingShingle Pratibha Meena
Gitanjali Narayanan
Pratima Murthy
Rare case of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in a young Indian woman
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
mothball toxicity
naphthalene ball ingestion
psychosocial factors inhalants
title Rare case of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in a young Indian woman
title_full Rare case of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in a young Indian woman
title_fullStr Rare case of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in a young Indian woman
title_full_unstemmed Rare case of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in a young Indian woman
title_short Rare case of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in a young Indian woman
title_sort rare case of chronic naphthalene ball ingestion in a young indian woman
topic mothball toxicity
naphthalene ball ingestion
psychosocial factors inhalants
url http://www.jfmpc.com/article.asp?issn=2249-4863;year=2023;volume=12;issue=11;spage=2973;epage=2975;aulast=Meena
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AT gitanjalinarayanan rarecaseofchronicnaphthaleneballingestioninayoungindianwoman
AT pratimamurthy rarecaseofchronicnaphthaleneballingestioninayoungindianwoman