Suicide attempt with mad honey: Case report

Résumé

Presents a case report of 19-year-old male, single, high school graduate admitted to the cardiology clinic. It was learned that the patient had been taken to emergency by a relative because of fluctuation of consciousness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. After follow-up and supportive treatment, the patient’s cardiological state stabilized. He was then referred to us with a suspicion of psychoactive substance use. In the examination, the patient was conscious, cooperation and orientation intact, associations articulated and purposeful. His affect was depressive and distressed. In the anamnesis received from him, it was learned that he had ingested five spoonfuls of mad honey with suicidal intention. When attempting suicide, he had believed that this was the easiest way to end his life. He had brought the mad honey from his hometown as an alternative remedy and occasionally used one teaspoonful, especially for stomach ache and palpitation. He knew that taking more than one spoonful of this honey could lead to honey poisoning or even death. With the patient’s consent, his relatives were informed of his situation. He was started on antidepressant to reduce depressive symptoms. Responsible for the cardiac effects of mad honey poisoning is grayanotoxin-I, also known as andromedotoxin. Honey containing grayanotoxin loses its toxicity after a long period of time. Poisoning caused by mad honey can develop even after consumption of a small quantity. Depending on the ingested quantity, the presentation of poisoning includes strong salivation, sweating, gastrointestinal symptoms, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)