MCS Patients Have Altered Psychology, Moderately Psychopathic

J Psychosom Res. 2006 Feb;60(2):199-209.
Chemosensory function and psychological profile
in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity:
comparison with odor-sensitive and asymptomatic
controls.
Papo D, Eberlein-König B, Berresheim HW,
Huss-Marp J, Grimm V, Ring J, Behrendt H,
Winneke G.
Division of Environmental Dermatology and
Allergology, GSF/TUM, Neuherberg-Munich, Germany.

OBJECTIVE: We addressed the question if patients
with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) differ
from participants with self-reported odor
sensitivity without MCS and asymptomatic
controls in terms of chemosensory, cognitive,
and clinical psychological endpoints.

METHODS: In a clinical study 23 MCS patients,
21 participants with self-reported odor
sensitivity, and 23 controls were investigated
using electrophysiological and psychophysical
olfactometric tests [chemosensory-event-related
potentials (CSERP), olfactory thresholds, odor
identification, trigeminal sensitivity]. The
participants filled in a mood list, a list of
complaints (BL), a Symptom Check List, a
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and an
MCS questionnaire.

RESULTS: The olfactometric investigations
revealed no significant differences between the
groups. The MCS group reached significantly
higher scores on negative mood states following
odorant exposure, on health complaints, global
indices, and the somatization subscale of the
Symptom Check List, trait and state anxiety and
symptoms, and triggering matters of the MCS
questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that neither
olfactory functions, nor chemosensory or
cognitive olfactory information processing are
impaired in MCS patients. They rather support
findings of altered psychological profile and
moderate psychopathology.

The referred to quote is below this message which is separated by asterisks***

This is a dangerously inaccurate post by Mark Thorson. I refer to the incredibly bogus / maliciously descriptive title that Mr. Thorson has chosen for the post: " MCS Patients Have Altered Psychology, Moderately Psychopathic". The actual correct title of this medical journal article is: "Chemosensory function and psychological profile in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity: comparison with odor-sensitive and asymptomatic controls."

Mr. Thorson seems dedicated to the interests of the chemical / pharmaceutical cartel as his posts certainly support this industry's position. He very much comes off like an industry hack who gets paid to go to online list serves and do anything, including lying, to try to pollute the web with misinformation about this topic. This egregious twisting of words repeatedly paints this serious chemical injury condition as psychological.

Mark Thorson should immediately apologize to the authors of this article who have been duly notified. Thorson has distorted the meaning and idea of the last sentence of the journal article which suggests that the toxicants triggered both symptoms and psychological distress -- much as happens with any human so affected by physical distress. Thorson distorts the significance of the temporary state of this distress and makes it seem as if these chemically injured test subjects are permanently psychologically disturbed. This clearly is Thorson's main objective in his postings on this topic.

URL of the egregious post by Thorson:

http://www.parentingbanter.com/showthread.php?t=60753


**********************************************

Originally Posted by Mark Thorson

J Psychosom Res. 2006 Feb;60(2):199-209.
Chemosensory function and psychological profile
in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity:
comparison with odor-sensitive and asymptomatic
controls.
Papo D, Eberlein-König B, Berresheim HW,
Huss-Marp J, Grimm V, Ring J, Behrendt H,
Winneke G.
Division of Environmental Dermatology and
Allergology, GSF/TUM, Neuherberg-Munich, Germany.

OBJECTIVE: We addressed the question if patients
with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) differ
from participants with self-reported odor
sensitivity without MCS and asymptomatic
controls in terms of chemosensory, cognitive,
and clinical psychological endpoints.

METHODS: In a clinical study 23 MCS patients,
21 participants with self-reported odor
sensitivity, and 23 controls were investigated
using electrophysiological and psychophysical
olfactometric tests [chemosensory-event-related
potentials (CSERP), olfactory thresholds, odor
identification, trigeminal sensitivity]. The
participants filled in a mood list, a list of
complaints (BL), a Symptom Check List, a
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and an
MCS questionnaire.

RESULTS: The olfactometric investigations
revealed no significant differences between the
groups. The MCS group reached significantly
higher scores on negative mood states following
odorant exposure, on health complaints, global
indices, and the somatization subscale of the
Symptom Check List, trait and state anxiety and
symptoms, and triggering matters of the MCS
questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that neither
olfactory functions, nor chemosensory or
cognitive olfactory information processing are
impaired in MCS patients. They rather support
findings of altered psychological profile and
moderate psychopathology.