Transdermal Ginseng Patches as a Rare Trigger of Psychosis: Implications for Herbal Product Safety

This case report describes a 49-year-old woman who developed ginseng-induced psychosis after using transdermal ginseng patches. Presenting with visual hallucinations, disorganized thoughts, and anxious behavior, she had no prior psychiatric history. Diagnostic tests, including brain imaging and EEG, were normal. The patient’s symptoms resolved after discontinuing the patches and receiving risperidone. Ginseng, commonly used for physical and mental fatigue, rarely causes psychosis. This case highlights the potential psychiatric side effects of herbal products, particularly transdermal forms, which lack regulatory oversight. Emergency physicians should consider herbal use in patients with psychotic symptoms, emphasizing the need for caution and regulation of such products.