Environmental hypersensitivity disorder, total allergy and 20th century disease.

Environmental hypersensitivity disorder is reputed to cause multiple allergic responses in susceptible people after exposure to common substances in the environment. The seriously afflicted, who believe themselves to be unable to live in the modern world, often become severely disabled. After a careful search of the literature, I am unable to find any scientific evidence for the validity of the theories, testing methods, or treatments given to these patients by clinical ecologists. This paper critically examines the concepts of environmental hypersensitivity and reviews scientific studies on this subject. It concludes that these patients are a heterogeneous group, and that many of them suffer from treatable psychiatric disorders. Guidelines are given for their management.