Mothball induced encephalopathy presenting as depression: it's all in the history

Abstract

Case reports of mothball ingestion have shown that paradichlorobenzene, the organic compound found in mothballs, can induce multiple organ effects, including encephalopathy. Psychiatrists are often involved in these cases due to presumed depression. Diagnosis is frequently delayed and/or inaccurate due to the inability to obtain a full history. A delay in diagnosis may result in an inappropriate treatment plan. We present a case involving a woman who ingested mothballs due to Pica emphasizing the importance and challenges of getting a thorough history. Barriers include cultural differences, shame and obtaining collateral information.