Thomas, Alexander David Joseph - Non-inquest findings
Deceased
Alexander David Joseph Thomas
Demographics
23y, male
Date of death
2014-09-07
Finding date
2015-10-14
Cause of death
Beta-phenylethylamine toxicity
AI-generated summary
A 23-year-old Army private died from beta-phenylethylamine toxicity after ingesting excessive quantities of this supplement purchased online. He had a history of low mood, fatigue, and anxiety, and had self-medicated with various phenylethylamine supplements despite repeated medical advice against this. He was monitored by mental health services and the Army, with concerns about possible developing mental illness, but continued accessing supplements online. Clinical lessons include recognising the risks of online supplement purchases, particularly stimulant-type substances; the importance of continued engagement when patients give repeated undertakings to cease harmful behaviours; and the need for systemic safeguards around supplements marketed for mood and energy enhancement, particularly in vulnerable populations.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Drugs involved
Contributing factors
- Excessive ingestion of beta-phenylethylamine obtained online
- Self-medication for low mood, fatigue, and anxiety
- Continued access to supplements despite medical advice against use
- Possible underlying mental illness
- History of depression and anxiety
- Secondary syphilis
- B12 deficiency
- Sinus tachycardia
Coroner's recommendations
- A copy of the findings will be sent to the Army authority requesting their consideration for publication and distribution within their organisation
Full text
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