Thread by @DuthieAlyne

Symptoms of Neurotoxicity [they epitomize the side effects and withdrawal symptoms of psych drugs] - described in 'Neurotoxicity Guidebook' by Raymond M. Singer, Ph.D., neuropsychologist and neurotoxicologist.
1. Personality changes
a. Irritability
b. Social withdrawal

c. Amotivation (disturbance of executive function)
2. Mental changes
a. Problems with memory for recent events
b. Concentration problems
c. Mental slowness
3. Sleep disturbance
4. Chronic fatigue
5. Headache
6. Sexual dysfunction
7. Numbness in the hands and feet

(7. depends upon the substance)
8. Recognition that there has been a loss of mental function
Additional symptoms are motor incoordination, sensory disturbances, and psychosis.

A summary of what Dr Singer has to say about each symptom of #neurotoxicity
First, personality changes.
'Neurotoxicity reduces mental and emotional abilities, so there will be a reduced ability to perceive, remember, etc.,...The person with neurotoxicity may not be aware 1/

he or she has been undergoing decrements in mental and emotional function, and this will increase the level of frustration and irritability.' 2/

Problems with Memory for Recent Events.
'This symptom will be expressed as forgetfulness, confusion, absent-mindedness, spells, and a reduced responsiveness to the social and physical environment. Long-term memory is often relatively preserved...'

Concentration Difficulties.
'The affected person will find it hard to keep their mind focused. Their thoughts will drift and seem fuzzy. There appears to be a reduction in the ability of the mind to inhibit responses to extraneous stimulation.'

Mental Slowness.
'This symptom can be expressed as dullness, confusion, difficulty following a conversation, understanding what is read, or following directions.'

Sleep Disturbances.
'Sleep patterns are regulated by the secretion of neurohormones that control the degree of wakefulness. These hormones are normally secreted in rhythms corresponding with periods of light and darkness that form night and day. With profuse brain dysfunction 1/

such as often occurs when a person is affected by neurotoxic chemicals, the pattern of sleep is disrupted, leading to difficulties in falling asleep or staying asleep. This disturbance creates or contributes to the condition of chronic fatigue that is often seen in neurotoxicity

patients.'

Chronic Fatigue.
'Neurotoxicity patients report that they are constantly tired. They are not able to physically move about as they did in the past, and have reduced ability to lift, carry, climb stairs, walk distances, or stay awake. 1/

This will be a main factor in their reduced ability to work.' 2/

'Fatigue can result from dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. This system controls the heart, digestion, elimination, etc. When diffuse brain dysfunction occurs, the nervous system has less ability to control bodily functions. 1/

In turn, as bodily systems cease to operate properly, an additional negative effect on other organs will occur. As organ function is reduced, any activity becomes more tiring, hence the symptom of fatigue.' 2/

Headache.
'The brain has no pain receptors. This is one reason why neurotoxic chemicals are particularly hazardous. Humans have no direct perception that brain cells are being destroyed or weakened.'

I will end with Sexual Dysfunction.
'The type of dysfunction seen in males affected by neurotoxicity is difficulty in maintaining erection, and in both sexes there may be reduced desire for sexual relations, perhaps secondary to fatigue and irritability. /1

These difficulties may have a unified origin within the neuro-hormonal system.' 2/