Lisa's Story: A semi-retired nurse suffering from depression with psychosis — Mercury toxicity contribution

Lisa was a 66 year old semi-retired school nurse with no preexisting psychiatric history. She became depressed two years ago after a significant stress in her family. She developed command auditory hallucinations (voices were telling her what to do and she was abiding by their commands) and bizarre behavior. She felt that God was talking to her, giving her instructions on what to do, being very negative and punishing her. She then progressed to unusual behaviors that included sexual touching and walking around undressed at home, which was very uncharacteristic of her. When I saw her in September, 2006 she was more in control and adamantly refused medications. There was initial improvement with several supplements. Patient had 6-8 amalgam fillings. Kinesiological testing was positive for mercury in her brain; provocation testing showed 18 mcg/g CREAT in November, 2006.

She was placed on a mild chelation protocol with Essential Daily Defense (EDTA), chlorella and garlic. By February, 2007 her mind was clearer. In April, the mercury level was 5.8 mcg/g CREAT and in May, muscle testing did not show Hg in her brain. Overall she was stable with no psychiatric Sx.

Additional remarks: This case illustrates that even mild to moderate body loading with toxic metals and mercury, may predispose a person to depression and psychosis, even late in life. Treating the underlying condition can resolve it completely, rather than committing a person to a life long struggle with symptoms, medications and multiple side effects from medications.

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