Effects of a brief CBT and transcranial direct current stimulation on odor sensitivity: An exploratory investigation (2019)

[hixxy]

Effects of a brief cognitive behavioral intervention and transcranial direct current stimulation on odor sensitivity: An exploratory investigation.

Houghton DC, Uhde TW, Borckardt JJ, Cortese BM.

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Enhanced odor sensitivity is a phenomenon that potentially underlies conditions such as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Currently, there are no treatments that have been shown to effectively decrease odor sensitivity. Given similarities of odor hypersensitivity/MCS to pain sensitization disorders such as fibromyalgia, there may be a potential for interventions that improve pain tolerance to modulate odor sensitivity.

METHODS:
This exploratory study randomized 72 healthy community adult volunteers to receive one of six treatments in between two assessments of thermal pain tolerance and odor threshold. Participants were randomized to receive either cathodal, anodal, or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) aimed at dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Additionally, participants were provided a brief cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) for pain consisting of task framing, cognitive restructuring, and distraction technique training, or a control intervention consisting of information about pain.

RESULTS:
Persons who received brief CBI showed significantly increased odor thresholds (reduced sensitivity) over the course of intervention (F[1, 62] = 7.29, p = .009, ηp = .11), whereas the control intervention was not associated with altered odor thresholds. Moreover, in those that received brief CBI, more severe anxiety associated with larger reductions in odor sensitivity (ρ = .364, p = .035). There was no effect of tDCS (F[2, 62] = .11, p = .90), nor interaction between tDCS and CBI (F[2, 62] = .32, p = .73).

CONCLUSIONS:
Given the connection between anxiety and MCS, results suggest that CBT techniques for somatic processes may show promise in treating conditions characterized by increased sensitivity to odors (e.g. MCS).

PMID: 30762663
DOI: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000679

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30762663

 

[Hoopoe]

Additionally, participants were provided a brief cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) for pain consisting of task framing, cognitive restructuring, and distraction technique training, or a control intervention consisting of information about pain.

Here's what cognitive restructuring is (source: Wikipedia)

Cognitive restructuring involves four steps:[6]

1. Identification of problematic cognitions known as "automatic thoughts" (ATs) which are dysfunctional or negative views of the self, world, or future based upon already existing beliefs about oneself, the world, or the future[1]
2. Identification of the cognitive distortions in the ATs
3. Rational disputation of ATs with the Socratic method
4. Development of a rational rebuttal to the ATs

The authors appear to view increased odor sensitivity as problematic. Accordingly the cognitive restructuring will probably aim to suppress any negative thoughts regarding odors.

Essentially, patients are instructed to answer questionnaires differently, so it's unclear how the results should be interpreted.

The increased odor sensitivity could be protective, and instructing patients to ignore warning signals could be harmful. It is premature to decide that such a sensitivity is maladaptive.

 

[rvallee]

Are there CBT courses offered that train people not to be a dumbass?

Not that they would be of any use but at least maybe people would think a bit more before making their dumbassness undeniable? At what point does CBT get classified as a cult?

 

[Arnie Pye]

The authors appear to view increased odor sensitivity as problematic.

I used to have an excellent sense of smell. I found it very useful for making sure I didn't eat bad food, identifying the occasional fire, detecting when the dog had rolled in something stinky. So it's actually a very useful attribute to have. I'm very annoyed that my sense of smell has waned so much in the last 10 years or so.

 

[TiredSam]

CONCLUSIONS:
Given the connection between anxiety and MCS, results suggest that CBT techniques for somatic processes may show promise in treating conditions characterized by increased sensitivity to odors (e.g. MCS).

Well to be fair the smell of bullshit used to make me more anxious than it does now, thanks to the efforts of these good people and their colleagues I am becoming more desensitized to it.

 

[rvallee]

Given the connection between anxiety and MCS

That "connection" is that most MCS patients will be wrongly given a misdiagnosis of anxiety instead or being properly diagnosed. That's not a connection, that's a freaking mistake.

That claim has as many legs to stand on as claims that a bad personality gives you cancer. Yes, people have claimed that connection. No, it does not actually exist. This is lazier than a panda trying to get laid.