Acute manic psychosis following the dermal application of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) in an adult.

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.

The role of a cinema seminar in psychiatric education.

As the goals of psychiatric education are evaluated and innovative teaching methods are sought, the current cinema represents an untapped resource. Thoughtful viewing of contemporary films with serious discussion of them in a film discussion group as part of the residency training program is a useful and enjoyable teaching format that helps bridge the gap between the art and science of psychiatry.