Multiple chemical sensitivity: etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Corabian P, Harstall C
Record ID 32000000015
English
Authors' objectives: To summarise the available evidence on the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).
Authors' recommendations: MCS is a disabling, complex, poorly understood and controversial condition. It has no clear definition or explanation. The clinical description of MCS is diverse and inconsistent, and it is not clear whether it is a single entity. The reviewed literature suggests that at this point in time there is insufficient scientific evidence to justify the existence of MCS as a distinct syndrome or disease entity, but the available limited evidence cannot be ignored and warrants further investigation. There is general agreement that it produces real disability and patients reputed to have the condition need compassion and competent professional care.
Authors' methods: Systematic review
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 1999
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Canada
MeSH Terms
  • Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Contact
Organisation Name: Institute of Health Economics
Contact Address: 1200, 10405 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 3N4. Tel: +1 780 448 4881; Fax: +1 780 448 0018;
Contact Name: djuzwishin@ihe.ca
Contact Email: djuzwishin@ihe.ca
Copyright: Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.