Cognitive-Behavioural Exposure Therapy for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Case Study by Robert L
Woolfolk in Psychology and Psychotherapy: Research Study
A case report of a woman treated with a multi-faceted cognitive-behavioral exposure therapy (CBET) for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is presented. The patient reported substantial improvements in the severity of her somatic symptoms, catastrophic thinking about symptoms, and functioning. Improvements were maintained six months after treatment ended. It is hypothesized that CBET reduces symptoms by reducing central sympathetic activation, maladaptive thinking and avoidant behavior. Long-term efficacy of CBET for MCS should be examined in large clinical trials.
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), also referred to as idiopathic environmental intolerance, is a poorly understood and often intractable condition. MCS is characterized by a wide range of recurrent distressing and often debilitating somatic symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, mucous membrane irritation, and nausea [1]. The symptoms follow and are presumed to be elicited by exposure to various low levels of chemicals, such as pesticides, cleaning products, perfumes, renovation materials including new carpet and paint, and diesel exhaust [2].
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