Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Perceptions Of Patients Meeting The Criteria For A Diagnosis Of "Multiple Chemical Sensitivities": Exploration Of Social Situation And Need, Beth Miriam Lewis

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

While no one explanation as to the possible nature of "multiple chemical sensitivities" has gained unanimous acceptance within the medical/science community, similar controversy does not exist with regard to the recognition of social problems generated for people suffering from this condition. In an effort to identify areas of psychosocial need requiring social work intervention, a descriptive study was carried out with a group of patients seen in an outpatient occupational health clinic. Medical charts of a deliberate sample of 423 clinic patients, seen during the period 1980-1990, were reviewed, yielding a total of 83 patients meeting criteria specific to MCS. …