Behavioral treatment of phobic avoidance in multiple chemical sensitivity.
The clinical ecology model of environmental illness, or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), and particularly the theoretical assumptions, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic recommendations promulgated by clinical ecologists are reviewed. No scientific evidence is found for their claims. MCS is conceptualized, instead, as a phobic disorder explicable in terms of the two-factor model of avoidance. Three cases of MCS are discussed in light of this model, and a comprehensive behavioral treatment package that includes biofeedback-assisted in vivo desensitization and cognitive restructuring is proposed.
Department of Psychology, Lake Forest College, IL 60045-2399.
R S
RS
Guglielmi
D J
DJ
Cox
D A
DA
Spyker
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational