Acute Manic Psychosis Following the Dermal Application ofN,N-Diethyl-M-Toluamide (deet) in an Adult

Abstract

Extensive animal testing and 30 years of human experience have established the general safety of DEET when applied episodically to skin or bedclothes. Local and systemic toxic and allergic reactions to DEET have been observed in man. Three weeks prior to admission, for the purpose of self-medication, a 30 year old man began daily applications of the insect repellant, DEET followed by a 1-2 hour period in a light-bulb heated box. Sedation and incoherence were noted for short periods following each application session. Aggressiveness and psychotic ideation led to hospital admission where he displayed psychomotor hyperactivity, rapid and pressured speech, tangentiality, flight of ideas, and grandiose delusions. Treatment was begun with haloperidol. Clinical improvement was complete within 6 days, atypical for classic endogenous mania. Drug and metabolites were identified in the urine more than 2 weeks after the last drug application.

Effects of Daily Dermal Application of Deet and Permethrin, Alone and in Combination, on Sensorimotor Performance, Blood-Brain Barrier, and Blood-Testis Barrier in Rats

“…Symptoms such as daytime sleepiness and impaired cognitive functions have been shown to result from heavy DEET exposure, whereas gait balance and dexterity were moderately affected (McConnell et al, 1986). Additionally, lethargy has been noted as a prominent feature in severe acute DEET intoxication (Tenebein, 1987;Snyder et al, 1986). A relatively recent study found a decrease in motor activity in male and female rats after a single dose DEET treatment (Verschoyle et al, 1992).…”

Behavioral Activity of Catnip (Lamiaceae) Essential Oil Components to the German Cockroach (Blattodea: Blattellidae)

“…First synthesized in the early 1950s (McCabe et al 1954), worldwide use of DEET exceeded 200,000,000 persons in 1980 (EPA 1980). DEET can occasionally have severe adverse effects on mammals (Miller 1982, Roland et al 1985, Snyder et al 1986, Qiu et al 1998. We tested the effect of antennectomy on the behavioral response of B. germanica to doses of extracts and compounds active to intact B. germanica.…”

Toxic Interactions of Prophylactic Drugs and Pesticides

“…Symptoms such as daytime sleepiness and impaired cognitive functions have been shown to result from heavy DEET exposure, whereas gait balance and dexterity were moderately affected . Additionally, lethargy has been noted as a prominent feature in severe acute DEET intoxication (Tenebein, 1987;Snyder et al, 1986). A relatively recent study found a decrease in motor activity in male and female rats after a single dose DEET treatment .…”