Cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with electric sensitivity - a multidisciplinary approach in a controlled study.
BACKGROUND
Electric sensitivity is a syndrome that still lacks diagnostic criteria and proven aetiology. The suffering of afflicted persons motivates development and evaluation of effective handling and treatments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy in patients with electric sensitivity.


METHODS
Cognitive behavioural treatment, as part of a multidisciplinary treatment package for patients with electric sensitivity, was evaluated in a controlled trial. Ten patients who received treatment were compared to 12 controls. Outcome measures included different dimensions such as symptoms, beliefs, behaviour, and biochemical measurements of stress-related variables. All outcome measures were collected prior to the study, post-treatment, and after an additional 6-month follow-up.


RESULTS
The therapy group rated their electric sensitivity as significantly lower than did the control group at the 6-month follow-up, and reduction of self-rated discomforts from triggering factors was significant in the therapy group. There were no systematic changes in the biochemical variables. The symptom indices were significantly reduced over time, and ability to work continued to be good in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The prognosis for this syndrome is good with early intervention and cognitive therapy may further reduce the perceived hypersensitivity. This may have important implications on handling of patients with electric sensitivity.
Hillert
L
L
Environmental Illness Research Centre, Southern Division of Community Health, Huddinge, Sweden. lena.hillert@medhs.ki.se
Kolmodin Hedman
B
B
Dölling
B F
BF
Arnetz
B B
BB
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome