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Multiple chemical sensitivities--syndrome and solution
1Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Neurologic Devices, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20850.
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) may be understood using classical conditioning. A desensitization approach shows promise for diagnosing and treating MCS, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Psychiatry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) present a complex health challenge with unknown incidence.
- Demographic data for MCS patients resemble those with agoraphobia.
- Understanding the scope and epidemiology of MCS is crucial.
Observation:
- The study describes two patients with MCS.
- A classical conditioning model is proposed to explain MCS.
- Demographic similarities exist between MCS and agoraphobia.
Findings:
- The classical conditioning model offers a framework for understanding MCS.
- A desensitization approach is proposed for MCS diagnosis and treatment.
- Initial results with three patients using desensitization were encouraging.
Implications:
- The desensitization approach warrants further investigation and refinement for MCS.
- This model may improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with MCS.
- Further research is needed to validate the desensitization approach in a larger cohort.