Diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic environmental intolerances

Author(s): Sack, M.

Journal/Book: Z Psychosom Med Psychoanal. 1998; 44: Theaterstrasse 13, Postfach 77, W-37070 Gottingen, Germany. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. 251-267.

Abstract: This review is based on the current empirical world literature on selected syndromes of environmental intolerances, especially on multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), and on the first experiences of environmental units based at German institutes of occupational medicine and/or hygiene. Special attention is given to the relation of environmental intolerances to somatoform disorders and to the clinically and scientifically relevant, controversial debate on the aetiology of environmental intolerances. As far as can be judged from the literature (which so far contains no controlled studies on treatment of environmental intolerances), it turns out that a non-judgemental approach which avoids the ''either/or'' of ''psychogenic or biogenic origin'' is Lest suited for treating these patients, especially if psychological factors are integrated early in the diagnostic process.

Note: Review Henningsen P, Univ Heidelberg, Psychosomat Klin, Thibautstr 2, D-69115 Heidelberg, GERMANY

Keyword(s): environmental intolerances; multiple chemical sensitivity; somatoform; disorders; diagnosis; treatment; MULTIPLE CHEMICAL-SENSITIVITY; CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME; CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE; YOUNG-ADULTS; ILLNESS; SYMPTOMS; SOMATIZATION; PSYCHOLOGY; TOXICOLOGY; DISEASE

Zurück | Weiter

Diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic environmental intolerances - a literature review