A Pilot Trial on Effect of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for Individuals With Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)
- Conditions
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
- Registration Number
- NCT00669448
- Lead Sponsor
- University Hospital, Gentofte, Copenhagen
- Brief Summary
OBJECTIVES
The objective is to evaluate the effect of an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) programme on psychological - and somatic symptoms, and illness perceptions in individuals with self- reported multiple chemical sensitivities.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants will be recruited among respondents to a survey on the consequences of self-reported symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals conducted by the Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities.
DESIGN
The pilot trial is designed as a randomized trial on the effect of MBCT versus treatment as usual.
INTERVENTION
The MBCT programme includes 2½ hours of group training at the Psychiatric Centre, Rigshospitalet once a week for 8 weeks. Furthermore participants are encouraged to practice at home for up to 45 min per day, 6 days a week during the entire course.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Effect of MBCT will be estimated from individual scores on psychometric scales
- Detailed Description
BACKGROUND
Multiple chemical sensitivities is a collective term used to describe illness from exposure to common environ-mental agents. A recent Danish population-based cross sectional study reported that 27% of the respondents reported various symptoms from exposure to common environmental agents. In 19% of the respondents symptoms had led to behavioral changes and in 3.3% of the respondents to adjustments in either social life or occupational conditions, and in 0.5% to adjustments in both social life and occupational conditions. Multiple chemical sensitivities is not acknowledged as a clinical diagnose in Denmark and the Danish Healthcare System has no clinical guidelines for management of people who report this type of illness.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effect of an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) programme on psychological - and somatic symptoms, and illness perceptions in individuals with self- reported multiple chemical sensitivities.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants will be recruited among respondents to a survey on the consequences of self-reported symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals conducted by the Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitives.
DESIGN
The pilot trial is designed as a randomized trial on the effect of MBCT versus treatment as usual. Eligible participants (n= 42) stratified by occupational status (e.g. employed/not employed) will be randomized to either intervention (MBCT) or treatment as usual.
INTERVENTION
The MBCT programme includes 2½ hours of group training at the Psychiatric Centre, Rigshospitalet once a week for 8 weeks. Furthermore participants are encouraged to practice at home for up to 45 min per day, 6 days a week during the entire course.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Effect of MBCT will be estimated from individual scores on the following psychometric scales: Symptom-Check List-92, The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale-10 and The Subjective Health Complaints-inventory. Estimations will be carried out at baseline, four weeks after start of MBCT programme, eight weeks after start of MBCT programme, and three months after ending the MBCT programme.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 39
- Age > 18 years,
- Currently living in Zealand,
- Self - reported adjustments of social life and/or occupational conditions due to symptoms related to inhalation of airborne chemicals,
- Registered at the Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities because of self-reported symptoms attributed to common chemical scents,
- Consulted the Al-lergy Clinic,
- Rigshospitalet between 1990 and 2006 because of self-reported symptoms related to exposures to common environmental agents,
- Informed consent
- Severe depression
- Psychotic disorders
- Medical treatment with antianxiety agents and antidepressants
- Alcohol - or drug abuse
- Previous participation in a MBCT programme
- Lack of informed consent
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Symptom Checklist- 92 (SCL-92) Baseline, four - and eight weeks after start of MBCT course, 3 months after ending MBCT course
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) Baseline, four - and eight weeks after start of MBCT course, three months after ending MBCT course The subjective health complaints (SHC) inventory Baseline, four- and eight weeks after start of MBCT course, 3 months after ending MBCT course The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ) Baseline, four - and eight weeks after start of MBCT course, three months after ending MBCT course
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities
🇩🇰Gentofte, Denmark