Active clinical trials for "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity"

Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (IEI) denotes a functional disorder represented by heterogeneous symptoms that sufferers attribute to specific environmental agents and for which there may be no solid evidence of an underlying physiological cause. We are conducting a randomized controlled trial study to compare patients before and after a newly developed cognitive behavioral therapy treatment program for IEI, with respect to behavioral and psychometric variables. The results of this research project are expected to contribute to advancements in the clinical treatment of IEI, as well as to elaborate on existing theoretical models of IEI.

Background: Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are frequent in all medical settings and characterized by persistent physical symptoms that cannot be explained by other somatic or psychiatric conditions. In recent decades, a number of different types of functional somatic disorders have been defined, but so far there is no clear explanation for the pathophysiology. The high prevalence of olfactory problems in some patients with FSD suggests that olfactory symptoms are a potential diagnostic biomarker, especially in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). The olfactory system is a unique sense with direct pathways to the limbic system, which is associated with emotion and mood. The focus on the olfactory system has revealed a significant association of this sense with numerous diseases. Hypotheses: Patients with MCS and FSD have normal olfactory tests (normosmic subjects according to TDI score using "sniffing test") but differ in habituation test compared to healthy controls. MCS and FSD patients have different odour perception processing in the brain as a "fingerprint" of functional somatic disorder compared to healthy controls. Research plan: The aim of this parts of the study is to identify specific MRI and paraclinical measures for MCS and BDS. In the first phase, 5 patients with MCS and 5 healthy controls will have a full clinical test of the olfactory system at the Flavour Institute, AU. In addition, they will be scanned (for "fingerprinting") where the investigators expect to find changes in olfactory connectivity similar to those seen in depression. This phase of the study will lead to a conclusion on the exact MR parameters to be used in the main study. In the second phase of the study, 10 patients with MCS, 10 with FSD, and 10 healthy controls will be evaluated using a test battery of questionnaires and paraclinical tests. Perspectives: Previous imaging studies have focused on pain stimulation paradigms, rest-state fMRI, and DTI, but the olfactory system may be the "missing link" in identifiying a quantitative candidate in terms of whole-brain computational modeling and could potentially be used as a "fingerprint" in diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on physical symptoms attributed to chemical exposures, psychological distress, illness worry, quality of life, and illness perceptions in patients suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Furthermore, a secondary objective is to evaluate whether a possible symptom reduction is mediated by an increased level of mindfulness. The primary hypothesis is that the self-reported severity of MCS symptoms and the degree to which chemical exposures causes symptoms and the impact on daily life will be significantly improved in the MBCT treatment group as compared to the control group.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate efficacy of a 14 months follow-up and individual medical care of electro-sensitive patients: by measurement of health status, sensitivity to electromagnetic fields exposures, and quality of life.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether pulsed electromagnetic fields(PEMF) is effective in the treatment of multiple chemical sensitivity in terms of life impact, symptoms, psychological distress, markers of central sensitization and the immune system, and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES The objective is to evaluate the effect of an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) programme on psychological - and somatic symptoms, and illness perceptions in individuals with self- reported multiple chemical sensitivities. PARTICIPANTS Participants will be recruited among respondents to a survey on the consequences of self-reported symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals conducted by the Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities. DESIGN The pilot trial is designed as a randomized trial on the effect of MBCT versus treatment as usual. INTERVENTION The MBCT programme includes 2½ hours of group training at the Psychiatric Centre, Rigshospitalet once a week for 8 weeks. Furthermore participants are encouraged to practice at home for up to 45 min per day, 6 days a week during the entire course. OUTCOME MEASURES Effect of MBCT will be estimated from individual scores on psychometric scales

The purpose of this study is: To identify specific set of proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord), that are believed to be seen in Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients, but not in healthy controls (HC). A similar study that the investigators had conducted before,suggested that significant changes in proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid may be due to the fundamental pathology of this disorder. Increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure (pressure that helps the cerebrospinal fluid to move around the brain and the spinal cord), may be related with certain symptoms like headache, sleep problems, light headedness, increased pain, excessive tiredness (fatigue) even with minimal work and memory problems. Assessment of Autonomic Nervous system function (Sympathetic nervous system)between the CFS and HC. Perform Lung Function Testing or pulmonary function test to estimate the lung capacities and score shortness of breath while performing breathing maneuvers. Dolorimetry (18 tender point test) for assessment of pain threshold. Capsaicin skin test Allergy skin test