Survey study, 1989
Does mercury from dental fillings cause mental health problems?
People with amalgam fillings reported different mental health than those without, and some reported symptoms improved after fillings were removed, but this does not prove mercury causes the problems.
What they did
This was a comparison study that looked at mental health reports from people who had dental amalgam fillings and people who did not. It also noted what people reported about symptom changes after fillings were removed.
What they found
People with and without amalgam dental fillings showed different subjective reports of mental health. Some people reported that symptoms of mental illness lessened or disappeared after having amalgams removed.
What it means for you
The study suggests that mercury from amalgam fillings might affect mood and mental health. However, since people reported their own experiences rather than being measured objectively, we cannot be certain that mercury is the cause. The main limitations are that findings are based on people's reports and the study design does not prove cause and effect.
About the study
- Original title
- The relationship between mercury from dental amalgam and mental health
- Authors
- Siblerud RL
- Journal
- American journal of psychotherapy
- Year
- 1989
- Study design
- Survey study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1989.43.4.575
Topics
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