Toxic Effect of Unspecified Seafood, Intentional Self-Harm, Initial Encounter (T61.92XA)

Name of the Condition

• Common Name(s): Seafood Poisoning, Intentional Seafood Poisoning
• Technical Terms: Toxic Effect of Unspecified Seafood, Deliberate Ingestion for Self-Harm

Summary

This condition refers to the harmful effects caused by consuming unspecified seafood with the intention of self-harm. The initial encounter implies this is the first time medical personnel are addressing the issue with the patient.

Causes

• Intentional consumption of toxic seafood or seafood known to cause adverse reactions as a means of self-harm.
• Seafood toxins, such as those found in certain contaminated fish or shellfish.

Risk Factors

• Prior history of self-harm or suicidal behavior.
• Access to toxic or contaminated seafood.
• Mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety that increase self-harm risk.
• Lack of social support.

Symptoms

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Neurological symptoms, such as tingling or numbness

Diagnosis

• Patient history and interview focused on intention and seafood consumed.
• Physical examination.
• Laboratory tests to detect specific marine toxins.
• Mental health assessment to understand the underlying motivation for self-harm.

Treatment Options

• Gastric lavage or activated charcoal in cases of recent ingestion.
• Supportive care, including IV fluids and electrolyte balance.
• Antiemetics to control nausea and vomiting.
• Psychological therapy or psychiatric intervention to address self-harm motives.
• Monitoring for any delayed-onset symptoms or complications.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis depends on the type and amount of seafood toxin ingested.
• Regular follow-up with mental health care providers is crucial to address underlying issues.
• Physical health monitoring to ensure no delayed complications.

Complications

• Respiratory paralysis from certain seafood toxins.
• Prolonged neurological symptoms.
• Persistent gastrointestinal distress.
• Risk of recurrent self-harm if underlying issues are not managed.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Educating about the dangers of seafood toxins.
• Encouraging mental health support and access to crisis resources.
• Limiting access to potential substances for self-harm in at-risk individuals.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention should be sought if intentional ingestion of seafood toxins is suspected.
• Emergency care is necessary if there are severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain.
• Ongoing mental health support should be sought following the initial encounter.

Additional Resources

• American Association of Poison Control Centers
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Mental Health America

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the intentional aspect of the self-harm is clearly documented.
• Verify the initial encounter status to apply the correct seventh character extension.
• Write detailed notes distinguishing this condition from accidental seafood poisoning or other toxic effects.