EEG measures of subjects with idiopathic chemical sensitivity: A test of the sensitization model

This study tested the sensitization model proposed by Bell, Miller & Schwartz (1992) to study multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). The sensitization models indicates that a traumatic event which elicits a strong response can sensitize limbic and/or mesolimbic pathways and future less intense trauma or stimuli, in the same or different modality, can elicit an amplified response. Three groups of subjects were tested: (1) women who reported chemical sensitivity; (2) sexually abused women without chemical sensitivity; and (3) healthy woman without chemical sensitivity nor sexual abuse history. All subjects were exposed to odorant and nonodorant control stimuli once a week for three weeks. Electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded while subjects sniffed the odorant and control stimuli. Based on the sensitization model, it was hypothesized that subjects who reported chemical sensitivity as well as subjects who reported a history of sexual abuse would show increases in the amplitude spectrum in the alpha frequency band across experimental sessions during exposure to odorant stimuli. Additionally, it was hypothesized that the healthy control subjects would show little or no changes over time. As predicted, the chemically sensitive and the sexually abused groups showed sensitization across experimental sessions. Additionally, the healthy control subjects showed habituation across experimental sessions. These findings indicate that individuals with chemical sensitivity show evidence of sensitization and that sensitization is not specific to MCS.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate College

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Arizona.

Year dc:date.issued

1998

Author dc:creator

• Fernandez, Mercedes, 1963-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Schwartz, Gary E.

• Health Sciences, Pathology.
• Psychology, Physiological.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10150/282608

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/282608