A nine-year follow-up of people diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivities

The authors assessed self-reported health status and clinical symptoms in p eople reporting multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) at a 9-year follow-up inteview using structured and semistructured instruments and self-report q uestionnaires. Of the original sample, 18 people (69%) consented to an inte rview. By use of the best estimate diagnostic method, 15 subjects (83%) met DSM-TV criteria for a lifetime mood disorder 10 (56%) for a lifetime anxie ty disorder; and 10 (56%) for a lifetime somatoform disorder. None of the s ubjects met the criteria for a substance rise disorder (current or lifetime ). The Illness Behavior Questionnaire and the Symptom Check list-90-Revised results showed little change from 1988 and remained significantly differen t from the control group on many subscales. The authors conclude that the s ubjects remain strongly committed to the diagnosis of MCS, and although imp roved since their original interview, many remain symptomatic and continue to report ongoing lifestyle changes.