Environmental Health Perspectives 105, Supplement 2, March 1997

Psychophysiological Hypotheses Regarding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome

Paul M. Lehrer

Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey--Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey

Abstract
This paper proposes several hypotheses and research strategies for exploring possible psychological factors contributing to multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). The hypotheses are based on concepts of individual response stereotypy, situational response specificity, classical conditioning of chemical-induced responses, and psychophysiological reactions to active and passive coping orientations. Hypotheses regarding hypersensitivity to perception and/or aversiveness of chemical stimulation also are presented. Strategies for evaluating these hypotheses are described based on experimental literature on psychophysiology and psychophysics. -- Environ Health Perspect 105(Suppl 2):479-483 (1997)

Key words: multiple chemical sensitivity, psychophysiology, individual response stereotypy, situational response specificity, active and passive coping, perception, psychophysics, suggestion, conditioning, panic

This paper is based on a presentation at the Conference on Experimental Approaches to Chemical Sensitivity held 20-22 September 1995 in Princeton, New Jersey. Manuscript received at EHP 6 March 1996; manuscript accepted 4 September 1996.
The author is grateful to R. Carr, N. Giardino, and H. Kipen for comments on earlier drafts of this paper.
Address correspondence to Dr. P.M. Lehrer, Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 671 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Telephone: (908) 235-4413. Fax: (908) 235-5158. E-mail: lehrer@umdnj.edu
Abbreviations used: CNS, central nervous system; HR, heart rate; MCS, multiple chemical sensitivity.

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Last Update: March 21, 1997