Conditioning of physical symptoms after neurotoxic exposure.
Psychologic reactions to a neurotoxic exposure can produce prolonged physical symptoms which are as debilitating as the direct effects of the neurotoxic substance. A group of patients exist who experience reoccurrence of exposure-related symptoms when exposed to a variety of common environmental substances, such as perfume, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. We propose a classical conditioning model to explain the development of this phenomenon. Identification and treatment of these individuals are also discussed.
Bolla-Wilson
K
K
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Frances Scott Key Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21224.
Wilson
R J
RJ
Bleecker
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002706:Chlordan / Q000506:poisoning; D004390:Chlorpyrifos / Q000506:poisoning; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D012008:Recurrence; D012997:Solvents / Q000506:poisoning*; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy
D007306:Insecticides; D012997:Solvents; D002706:Chlordan; D004390:Chlorpyrifos