Effectiveness of Lifestyle-Based Approaches for Adults with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Systematic Review, 2025, Martín Pérez

[Dolphin]

https://www.mdpi.com/2813-9909/2/3/13

Open AccessReview

Effectiveness of Lifestyle-Based Approaches for Adults with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Systematic Review​

by
Isidro Miguel Martín Pérez
1,*<i></i>,
David Alejandro Parra Castillo
2<i></i>,
Carlos Pastor Ruiz de la Fuente
2<i></i> and
Sebastián Eustaquio Martín Pérez
1,2,3,*<i></i>



1
Escuela de Doctorado y Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
2
Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Canarias, 38300 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
3
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sports, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Therapeutics 2025, 2(3), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/therapeutics2030013
Submission received: 7 April 2025 / Revised: 29 June 2025 / Accepted: 14 July 2025 / Published: 22 July 2025
(This article belongs to the Topic New Trends in Physiotherapy Care: Improvements in Functionality, Pain Management, and Quality of Life)
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Abstract​

Background:

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a complex, disabling condition marked by non-specific symptoms in response to low-level chemical exposures. It often leads to substantial impairments in quality of life, psychological health, and daily functioning. Although non-pharmacological approaches—such as lifestyle and psychological interventions—are widely used, their clinical effectiveness remains unclear.

Objective:

We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle-based approaches in improving clinical and psychosocial outcomes in adults with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420251013537). Literature searches were carried out in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate between March and April 2025. Eligible studies included adults (≥18 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of MCS and reported outcomes such as perceived stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, or quality of life. Methodological quality and risk of bias were independently assessed using the PEDro scale, NIH Quality Assessment Tool, CEBMa checklist, and Cochrane RoB 2.0.

Results:

Twelve studies (N = 378) met the inclusion criteria. Cognitive and behavioral therapies demonstrated the most consistent evidence of efficacy, with reductions in symptom severity, maladaptive cognitive patterns, and functional limitations. Mindfulness-based stress reduction showed favorable outcomes, while other mindfulness-based interventions yielded mixed results. Exposure-based therapies contributed to increased chemical tolerance and reduced avoidance behavior. Electromagnetic and biomedical approaches demonstrated preliminary but limited effectiveness. Aromatherapy was well tolerated and perceived as relaxing, though its clinical impact was modest.

Conclusions:

Cognitive and behavioral therapies appear to be most effective among lifestyle-based interventions for MCS/IEI. However, study heterogeneity limits the generalizability of findings, underscoring the need for more rigorous research.
Keywords:
multiple chemical sensitivity; lifestyle interventions; cognitive–behavioral therapy; neuromodulation; psychological well-being; symptom burden; quality of life

 

[Utsikt]

Yet another review where they used fatally flawed frameworks to make it seem like fatally flawed studies are of any value.

 

[rvallee]

Although non-pharmacological approaches—such as lifestyle and psychological interventions—are widely used, their clinical effectiveness remains unclear.

And they call this "evidence-based medicine".

Aromatherapy was well tolerated and perceived as relaxing, though its clinical impact was modest.

When you don't even bother knowing what you are babbling about. Good grief. This is essentially the same ideas as homeopathy.

Cognitive and behavioral therapies appear to be most effective among lifestyle-based interventions for MCS/IEI. However, study heterogeneity limits the generalizability of findings, underscoring the need for more rigorous research.

This is exactly as useful as ranking which of the other alternative medicines is "most effective". As long as you redefine what effective means, and don't care about outcomes.

This methodological framework is fundamentally incapable of producing useful information, let alone solutions. It is ethically and intellectually degenerate.

 

[Sean]

Background: ​

​

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a complex, disabling condition marked by non-specific symptoms in response to low-level chemical exposures. It often leads to substantial impairments in quality of life, psychological health, and daily functioning. Although non-pharmacological approaches—such as lifestyle and psychological interventions—are widely used, their clinical effectiveness remains unclear....​

​

Methods: ​

​

Eligible studies included adults (≥18 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of MCS and reported outcomes such as perceived stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, or quality of life.​

How much more circular can you get? They saw what they wanted to see.