Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS): Results from a randomized controlled trial with 1 year follow-up.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), focusing on symptom impact, illness perceptions, and emotional well-being.
Results Summary
MBCT did not significantly affect the primary outcome (MCS symptoms) or levels of depression and anxiety but improved illness perceptions, which were sustained at 12-month follow-up. The intervention was well-received with low dropout rates.
Population
Individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Post-treatment assessment, with follow-ups at 6 and 12 months.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | no change | the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) | individuals with MCS | no significant change | found no effect | #1 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | no change | levels of depression | individuals with MCS | no significant change | found no effect | #2 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | no change | levels of anxiety | individuals with MCS | no significant change | found no effect | #3 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | increase | illness perceptions | individuals with MCS | sustained at 12-month follow-up | found positive changes | #4 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | no change | overall illness status | individuals with MCS | - | does not change | #5 |
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | increase | emotional and cognitive representations | individuals with MCS | - | positively changes | #6 |
OBJECTIVE: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a medically unexplained condition characterized by symptoms from multiple organ systems following the perception of common odorants. The condition can cause severe functional impairment for afflicted individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for individuals with MCS. METHODS: The intention-to-treat sample (ITT) included 69 individuals who had been randomized to either MBCT or treatment as usual (TAU). The primary outcome measure was the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI), which measures the following aspects of MCS: impact of MCS on daily life, symptoms, and reactions following chemical exposures. Secondary outcome measures included the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) and the anxiety and depression subscales of the symptom checklist 92 (SCL-92). Participants were assessed at baseline and post treatment, and at follow-up periods of 6- and 12-months. RESULTS: We found no effect of MBCT on the primary outcome, nor did we find an effect on levels of depression or anxiety. We did, however, find positive changes in illness perceptions, which were sustained at 12-month follow-up. Dropout rates were low, suggesting MBCT was well received and regarded as an acceptable intervention by individuals with MCS. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these results suggest that MBCT does not change overall illness status in individuals with MCS, but that MBCT positively changes emotional and cognitive representations. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.