[Poisoning with nightshade, Atropa belladonna].

Serious poisoning with atropine-like substances may produce symptoms which can be confused with acute psychosis. The diagnosis in a case of acute poisoning may be difficult and diagnostic treatment with physostigmine may be considered. A case of serious atropine poisoning caused by consumption of the fruits of deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) which commenced with psychosis in a boy of nine years is described. It was known that the child had eaten 20-25 of the berries. He survived after treatment with intravenous administration of physostigmine.