Perceived treatment efficacy for conventional and alternative therapies reported by persons with multiple chemical sensitivity.

Abstract

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a condition in which persons experience negative health effects in multiple organ systems from exposure to low levels of common chemicals. Although symptoms experienced from particular chemicals vary across persons, they are generally stable within persons. The sensitivities often spread over time, first to related chemicals and then to other classes of chemicals. This study examined self-reported perceived treatment efficacy of 101 treatments used by 917 persons with self-reported MCS. Treatments examined included environmental medicine techniques, holistic therapies, individual nutritional supplements, detoxification techniques, body therapies, Eastern-origin techniques, newer therapies, prescription items, and others. The three most highly rated treatments were creating a chemical-free living space, chemical avoidance, and prayer. Both creating a chemical-free living space and chemical avoidance were rated by 95% of respondents as helpful. Results for most therapies were mixed. Participants had consulted a mean of 12 health care providers and spent over one-third of their annual income on health care costs. We discuss this drain on personal resources and describe respondents' attitudes toward the possibility of healing from MCS.

Chemical Intolerance in Primary Care Settings: Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Outcomes

“…These same patients rated psychotropic medications as least helpful for their condition. 64 Our study and numerous earlier studies have found increased rates of medication intolerances in the chemical intolerance population. 12 Previous research has shown an association between chemical intolerance and work disability, 3,12,14,65,66 problems with shopping, 3,14 and diffi culties with travel.…”

The feasibility of aromatherapy massage to reduce symptoms of Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance: A pilot study

“…Gibson et al 43 examined self-reported perceived treatment efficacy in 916 IEI patients; these researchers found that 60% of participants receiving body therapy found it to be helpful. The results of this study confirm the acceptance of aromatherapy among IEI patients.…”

Unmet medical care needs in persons with multiple chemical sensitivity: A grounded theory of contested illness

“…Patients who are chemically intolerant reported seeing an average of 8.6 practitioners each, but perceived only a quarter of them as helpful. [27] MCS does not fit in the dominant biomedical paradigm, as it typically manifests as an invisible disability. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge about MCS among practitioners and the general public.…”