Mercury Blameless for Amalgam Complaints

Scand J Work Environ Health 1997;23 Suppl 3:65-7
Experiences from the amalgam unit at Huddinge hospital
--somatic and psychosomatic aspects.
Langworth S.
Institute of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institute,
Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.

The "amalgam unit" at the Huddinge University
Hospital in Sweden examined 379 of 1300
patients referred for health problems which the
patients related to amalgam tooth fillings.
Toxicologic, clinical, odontological, and psychiatric
examinations were performed. More than
30% had medical causes for their complaints;
7% had severe diseases which had been
unrecognized. The most common symptoms
were diffuse pain, general weakness, fatigue,
headache, and difficulties in concentrating.
Anxiety and depression were the most prevalent
psychiatric complaints. The psychological
examination revealed a high prevalence of somatization.
The treatment was information about mercury
and amalgam, appropriate odontological routines
without removal of intact amalgam fillings,
medical therapy when necessary, and strengthening of
the patients' social networks. Ninety percent
were satisfied with the treatment. The results
indicate that there are various explanations
for the complaints of patients fearing "amalgam
disease". No cases of mercury intoxication were found.