title: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS): Results from a randomized controlled trial with 1 year follow-up.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a medically unexplained condition characterized by symptoms from multiple organ systems following the perception of common odorants. The condition can cause severe functional impairment for afflicted individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for individuals with MCS.
  
  
  METHODS
  The intention-to-treat sample (ITT) included 69 individuals who had been randomized to either MBCT or treatment as usual (TAU). The primary outcome measure was the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI), which measures the following aspects of
  impact of MCS on daily life, symptoms, and reactions following chemical exposures. Secondary outcome measures included the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) and the anxiety and depression subscales of the symptom checklist 92 (SCL-92). Participants were assessed at baseline and post treatment, and at follow-up periods of 6- and 12-months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found no effect of MBCT on the primary outcome, nor did we find an effect on levels of depression or anxiety. We did, however, find positive changes in illness perceptions, which were sustained at 12-month follow-up. Dropout rates were low, suggesting MBCT was well received and regarded as an acceptable intervention by individuals with MCS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, these results suggest that MBCT does not change overall illness status in individuals with MCS, but that MBCT positively changes emotional and cognitive representations. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.
authors: The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Ledreborg Alle 40, 2.th, Gentofte, 2820, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address: christian.riise.hauge@regionh.dk.
authors: Christian Riise
authors: CR
authors: Hauge
authors: Psychiatric Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: Alice
authors: A
authors: Rasmussen
authors: The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors: Jacob
authors: J
authors: Piet
authors: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: Jens Peter
authors: JP
authors: Bonde
authors: Huge Consulting ApS, Denmark.
authors: Claus
authors: C
authors: Jensen
authors: Center for Mindfulness, Teaching and Supervision, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: Antonia
authors: A
authors: Sumbundu
authors: The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Ledreborg Alle 40, 2.th, Gentofte, 2820, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: Sine
authors: S
authors: Skovbjerg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D001008:Anxiety Disorders; D003071:Cognition; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D064866:Mindfulness; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy; Multiple chemical sensitivity; Randomized controlled trial