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

Abstract Summary

Overview: Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance Attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI-EMF) is recognized as an environmental illness where symptoms develop due to weak electromagnetic field exposures. This study adopts a detailed idiographic approach to explore this condition in three individuals presenting severe IEI-EMF symptoms.

Findings: The research integrates a mixed qualitative/quantitative protocol focusing on environmental, psychosocial, and clinical assessments. Notable findings include:

  • Psychopathological factors were particularly pronounced in two of the participants, manifesting severe pre-psychotic states with paranoid tendencies.
  • These individuals also showed an increased focus on bodily sensations and overall health status.
  • The third participant, however, did not exhibit any evident pathological conditions.
  • All participants experienced significant psychosocial stresses, suggesting a uniform trigger for the condition.

Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of individual-focused assessments to better understand the aetiology of IEI-EMF and tailor personalized treatment strategies, given the substantial heterogeneity in psychological and psychopathological profiles among those affected.

IEI-EMF electromagnetic fields environmental illness psychological assessment psychosocial stress
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