PT Journal AU Arnetz, BB TI Model development and research vision for the future of multiple chemical sensitivity SO Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health PD 12VL PY 1999 BP 569 EP 573 IS 6 DI 10.5271/sjweh.482 WP https://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=482 DE electric sensitivity; environmental hyperreactivity; environmental illness SN 0355-3140 AB

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by heightened self-reported sensitivity to extremely low concentrations of chemicals. It has numerous symptoms in common with the sick building syndrome, the Gulf War syndrome, and chronic fatigue. Despite much research, reproducible objective findings are lacking for MCS, as is a sound model to explain it. This paper proposes a 2-step model combining the needed epidemiologic terminology with that of psychophysiological activation and sensitization. It is suggested that different environmental stressors act as initiators. After initiation, the limbic system and other parts of the brain become sensitized and hyperrreactive to environmental triggers. Odor acts as one important trigger. Future research should use more biological assessments in combination with environmental and psychosocial data and involve patient groups with similar symptoms, although diagnosed as suffering from different entities. The similarities and differences of patients with such entities need to be understood before the entities themselves can be understood, diagnosed, treated, and prevented.

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