Multiple chemical sensitivities: a presenting complaint in two patients.
M.C.S. presents with non-specific multi-organ symptoms in individuals who do not manifest evidence of specific organ malfunctioning. Experts disagree about whether the disorder is caused by exposure to environmental chemicals in low concentrations or whether it has a psychological basis. This paper (a) describes two patients who were firmly convinced that they suffered from M.C.S., (b) discusses a differential diagnosis of the disorder, and (c) suggests an approach to management.
Brock
Clive D
CD
Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology