Abstract

ZAVARIZ, Cecília. Psicol. Am. Lat. [online]. 2006, n.5. ISSN 1870-350X.

In order to evaluate the contribution of the neurobehavioral tests battery in the diagnosis of mercurialism, a cross sectional study was made with a group of 180 workers exposed to the metallic mercury, that was compared to 180 workers not exposed to the metallic mercury in a same company, respecting the homogenity in relation to the variables of sex, age, schooling and jobs executed. The tests are chosen based on the capacity to detect functional alterations in the central nervous system, particularly in the memory, coordination, perception, attention, emotional states, concentration, speed of movements and precision in performing tasks. The results showed significant statistic differences between the groups in the following tests: mechanical skill of Leon Walther - TAM (discs, counts, dotting); concentration attention battery of Toulose Pieron and Welchsler Adult Intelligence Scale - WAIS (numerical symbols) indicating a deficit in the speed of movements, manual agility, coordination, concentration focus, cognitive efficiency and motor perceptive speed. The tests are instruments of high importance in the diagnosis of mercurialism.

Keywords : Mercurio; Intoxicación; Testes neuropsicológicos; Diagnóstico.