Volume 5 Issue 11 November 2015
Neuropsychiatric disorders with Lead exposure
Lead is a ubiquitous neurotoxicant, and adverse cognitive, emotional and behavioral effects are well documented in exposed children and adults. Prenatal and neonatal lead exposure have been associated with widespread neurological and psychological disturbances including intellectual disability, pervasive developmental disorders, depression, anxiety,
mood disorders, schizophrenia, etc.
Lead, a potent neurotoxin, may affect numerous cell functions, including the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. In the brain, lead causes lesions including decrease in total cortical volume and white matter, and enlargement of cerebroventricular system. Other reported mechanisms for neuropsychiatric disorders with lead exposure are reactive oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurochemical dysfunction and alteration in HPA axis. Researchers have recommended to assess the role of lead as biomarkers of psychiatric disorders.
Assistant Professor, AIIMS Jodhpur (Raj)
