Severe psychiatric disorders during trips to the Far East
Alkan, M.L.; Hermesh, H.; Atzmon, B.; Peri, G.; Schwartz, E.
Harefuah 136(12): 940
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 10955154 Document Number: 499995
8 cases of acute mental disorders among Israelis travelling in the Far East are presented. The most common symptoms were hallucinations, paranoid delusions, agitation and depression. The important precipitating factors were drug abuse, reaction to the foreign environment and malarial prophylaxis. Treatment included creating a nonhostile environment, the presence of a Hebrew-speaking physician, psychopharmacotherapy and prompt evacuation to Israel. Most patients improved markedly and returned to normal functioning.