NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION FOR DETECTING ALTERATIONS IN THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM AFTER CHEMICAL-EXPOSURE

Individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) report decreased attention/concentration, memory loss, disorientation, confusion, fatig ue, depression, irritability, decreased libido, sleep disturbances, he adaches, and weakness. These neurobehavioral symptoms represent possib le alterations in the central nervous system (CNS), The evaluation of neurobehavioral functioning using neuropsychological techniques provid es all indirect method for determining the integrity of the CNS. Howev er, caution must be used in interpreting neuropsychological test resul ts, since this technique is extremely sensitive but is not specific. C linically significant aberrant test performance may be noted after che mical exposure as well as with other diseases of the CNS. In addition, neuropsychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression are often manifested as cognitive difficulties that are similar in pattern to th e cognitive dysfunction caused by toxic chemicals. Herein, limitations and cautions in the interpretations of neuropsychological test result s are discussed. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.