Pamela Reed Gibson | PubMed Health

PubMed2005

Disability-induced identity changes in persons with multiple chemical sensitivity.

In this qualitative study, the authors asked respondents with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in an open-ended question how having the condition affected their identities. Authors then examined responses for themes, which they discuss within the framework of critical theory. Emergent themes included loss of a stable, familiar personality, loss of self-positioning, emotional suppression to meet others' expectations, redesigning the planned life, forced growth, struggling with support, discovering the spiritual self, and identity reconsolidation. The authors compare findings with published works on adjustment to chronic illness and other delegitimized illnesses, find them to be fairly congruent, and then discuss problems regarding cultural acceptance of MCS as a condition caused by chemical exposure.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed2003

Perceived treatment efficacy for conventional and alternative therapies reported by persons with multiple chemical sensitivity.

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a condition in which persons experience negative health effects in multiple organ systems from exposure to low levels of common chemicals. Although symptoms experienced from particular chemicals vary across persons, they are generally stable within persons. The sensitivities often spread over time, first to related chemicals and then to other classes of chemicals. This study examined self-reported perceived treatment efficacy of 101 treatments used by 917 persons with self-reported MCS. Treatments examined included environmental medicine techniques, holistic therapies, individual nutritional supplements, detoxification techniques, body therapies, Eastern-origin techniques, newer therapies, prescription items, and others. The three most highly rated treatments were creating a chemical-free living space, chemical avoidance, and prayer. Both creating a chemical-free living space and chemical avoidance were rated by 95% of respondents as helpful. Results for most therapies were mixed. Participants had consulted a mean of 12 health care providers and spent over one-third of their annual income on health care costs. We discuss this drain on personal resources and describe respondents' attitudes toward the possibility of healing from MCS.

Adult↗