The Gulf War and illness by association.
The symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) closely correspond to the physiological and behavioural sequelae of an interleukin-1 (IL-1) mediated sickness response. We propose that this response can account for the variability in its symptomatology. Furthermore, the persistence of GWS can be accounted for by an associative process, whereby the smells/tastes of war become linked with the physiological reaction to environmental stressors encountered in the Gulf and/or the 'cocktail' of drugs given to the soldiers. As required, the IL-1 response is conditionable.
Ferguson
E
E
School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, UK. ef@psyc.nott.ac.uk
Cassaday
H J
HJ
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001244:Association; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000009:adverse effects; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000097:blood; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D018923:Persian Gulf Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011115:Polyneuropathies / Q000209:etiology; D012803:Sick Role; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology
D007306:Insecticides; D007375:Interleukin-1; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds