A Systematic Review of Treatments for Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity

Abstract

Background: Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a poorly understood condition in which patients report symptoms following perceived exposure to weak electromagnetic fields (EMFs) such as those produced by mobile phones or visual display units. Little is known about the aetiology of the condition although experimental data suggest that EMFs are an unlikely causal agent. In this systematic review we assessed the efficacy of any treatment for people reporting EHS. Methods: Twelve literature databases were examined to identify relevant studies. We also hand-searched conference proceedings and examined the reference sections of reviews and other papers. Only clinical trials that compared the efficacy of a potential treatment for EHS against a control condition were included in the review. Results: Nine controlled clinical trials were identified, examining the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (4 studies), visual display unit screen filters (2 studies), ‘shielding’ EMF emitters (1 study), supplementary antioxidant therapy (1 study) and acupuncture (1 study). The quality of these studies was limited. Nevertheless, their results suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy is more effective than providing no treatment. None of the other therapies have had their efficacy adequately demonstrated. Conclusions: The evidence base concerning treatment options for EHS is limited and more research is needed before any definitive clinical recommendations can be made. However, the best evidence currently available suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy is effective for patients who report being hypersensitive to weak EMFs.

The prevalence of symptoms attributed to electromagnetic field exposure: a cross-sectional representative survey in Switzerland

“…Whereas the existence of subjective pathways is beyond controversy, there is scientifi c uncertainty whether exposure levels to which the general population is typically exposed can cause adverse health effects through a biological mechanism. A systematic review of blind and double-blind provocation studies comparing the perception of EMFs of EHS and Non-EHS individuals did not fi nd evidence that EMF below standard limits can be perceived in a blind setting (Rubin et al 2005). The authors stated that it was diffi cult to prove that EMF exposure could trigger these symptoms and came to the conclusion that EHS was probably unrelated to the presence of EMF.…”

Do people with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields display physiological effects when exposed to electromagnetic fields? A systematic review of provocation studies

“…These studies have typically demonstrated that sham exposure is as likely to trigger symptoms as genuine exposure to electromagnetic fields. This has led some authors to suggest that psychological factors may play an important role in causing or perpetuating the condition [Rubin et al, 2008;Stovner et al, 2008] and that sufferers may therefore respond better to treatments based on cognitive behavior therapy than to interventions involving avoidance of electrical equipment or reduction of exposure [Rubin et al, 2006]. It is possible, however, that exposure to electromagnetic fields might trigger biological effects that may lead to the experience of symptoms in people with IEI-EMF that are too subtle to detect using selfreported measures, but which might be observable by studying physiological changes.…”

Systematic review on the health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile phone base stations

“…This phenomenon is described as electromagnetic hypersensitivity or "idiopathic environmental intolerance with attribution to electromagnetic fields." [5][6][7][8] Additionally, individuals who are hypersensitive to electromagnetic fields often claim to be able to perceive radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in their daily life. 6 People are generally exposed to MPBS radiation under far-field conditions, i.e.…”