title: Psychophysiological hypotheses regarding multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey--Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway 08854, USA. lehrer@umdnj.edu
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Lehrer
mesh_terms: D003071:Cognition; D004782:Environmental Health; D006801:Humans; D006985:Hyperventilation / Q000150:complications; D008954:Models, Biological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D011603:Psychophysiology; D012903:Smell; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology