Eva Lago Blanco1, Jordi Puiguriguer Ferrando2, Mónica Rodríguez Enríquez3, Laura Agüero Gento3, Joan Salvà Coll4, Maria Rosa Pizà Portell3. 1. Sección de Psicología Clínica, Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Mallorca, España. Electronic address: eva.lago@ssib.es. 2. Sección de Toxicología, Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Mallorca, España. 3. Sección de Psicología Clínica, Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Mallorca, España. 4. Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Mallorca, España.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a multisystem disorder of controversial etiology, affecting some subjects when exposed to chemicals at no harmful concentrations. The objective of this paper is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and psychological features of a sample of patients with MCS for further specific group treatment. PATIENS AND METHOD: Descriptive study of patients diagnosed with MCS in a toxicology unit. We administered the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, the structured interview SCID-II, the anxiety scale HAS and the type A personality test, PCTA. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were included. The mean age was 52,6 years (range 33-77; SD 9.29). Sixty-six were females (90.4%). Fifty-three percent were classified as i-ii and ii grade. Sixty-one patients (83%) presented some type of comorbidity, mainly chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. They exhibited higher levels of anxiety (average score of 19.2), prevalence of phobic-avoidant traits of personality and type A behavior in 31.1%. CONCLUSIONS: MCS affects middle-aged women with comorbidities (chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue) and high anxiety and avoidance behaviors. This preliminary analysis should help provide a specific therapeutic approach to these patients.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a multisystem disorder of controversial etiology, affecting some subjects when exposed to chemicals at no harmful concentrations. The objective of this paper is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and psychological features of a sample of patients with MCS for further specific group treatment. PATIENS AND METHOD: Descriptive study of patients diagnosed with MCS in a toxicology unit. We administered the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, the structured interview SCID-II, the anxiety scale HAS and the type A personality test, PCTA. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were included. The mean age was 52,6 years (range 33-77; SD 9.29). Sixty-six were females (90.4%). Fifty-three percent were classified as i-ii and ii grade. Sixty-one patients (83%) presented some type of comorbidity, mainly chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. They exhibited higher levels of anxiety (average score of 19.2), prevalence of phobic-avoidant traits of personality and type A behavior in 31.1%. CONCLUSIONS: MCS affects middle-aged women with comorbidities (chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue) and high anxiety and avoidance behaviors. This preliminary analysis should help provide a specific therapeutic approach to these patients.
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