title: Attention to bodily sensations and symptom perception in individuals with idiopathic environmental intolerance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) is characterized by non-specific symptoms attributed to exposure to environmental odours or chemicals at levels below those known to induce adverse health effects. A clarification of whether psychological processes involved in sensory perceptions are associated with IEI would add to our understanding of this complex disorder.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine if measures of somato-sensory amplification, autonomic perception and absorption are associated with IEI.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included individuals with self-reported or physician-diagnosed IEI. Participants (n = 732) completed questionnaires that included items on descriptive variables of IEI, the Somato-Sensory Amplification Scale (SSAS), the Autonomic Perception Questionnaire (APQ), the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS) and a Negative Affectivity Scale (NAS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multiple, hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed significant positive associations between SSAS, APQ, and IEI, while small and inverse associations were seen between TAS and IEI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The association with SSAS and APQ suggests that perceptual personality characteristics are important in understanding this disorder.
authors: The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Ledreborg Alle 40, 2.th, 2820, Gentofte, Denmark. sinsko01@geh.regionh.dk
authors: Sine
authors: S
authors: Skovbjerg
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Zachariae
authors: Alice
authors: A
authors: Rasmussen
authors: Jeanne Duus
authors: JD
authors: Johansen
authors: Jesper
authors: J
authors: Elberling