Idiographic approach to idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF) part I. Environmental, psychosocial & clinical assessment of 3 individuals with severe IEI-EMF

Authors: Dömötör Z, Szabolcs Z, Bérdi M, Witthöft M, Köteles F, Szemerszky R

Year: 2022 Jul 16

Category: Environmental Health, Psychology

Journal: Heliyon

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09987

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9305360/

Abstract

Overview

IEI-EMF refers to an environmental illness primarily characterized by symptoms attributed to exposure to weak electromagnetic fields. Evidence suggests marked individual differences in how this condition manifests, making a within-subject approach crucial for deeper understanding.

Methodology

A mixed qualitative/quantitative idiographic protocol was employed, involving a threefold diagnostic approach tested with the participation of three individuals severely affected by IEI-EMF.

Findings

  • The condition may be linked substantially to psychopathological factors for two participants, indicating severe pre-psychotic states with paranoid tendencies and a heightened focus on bodily sensations and health.
  • The third individual exhibited no obvious psychopathology.
  • Overall, findings imply a uniform trigger across participants due to serious psychosocial stress, with considerable aetiological differences in how IEI-EMF presents.

Conclusion

This substantial variability in psychological and psychopathological profiles highlights the need for idiographic multimodal assessments. These assessments help in understanding the diverse aetiological paths and aid in developing personalized treatment strategies.

IEI-EMF electromagnetic fields environmental illness psychosocial stress psychological assessment
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