Prospective study of nocebo effects related to symptoms of idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF)

Authors: Anne-Kathrin Bräscher, Stefan M Schulz, Omer Van den Bergh, Michael Witthöft

Year: 2020 Aug 7

Category: Environmental Health, Psychology

Journal: Environ Res

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110019

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32777274/

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the psychological causes, specifically nocebo effects, as potential explanations for Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance Attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI-EMF). This condition is characterized by somatic symptoms believed to result from low-level electromagnetic field exposure.

Findings

  • The study utilized an experimental design where participants were exposed to sham WiFi radiation, and their psychological and physiological responses were observed.
  • Initial and one-week follow-up sessions demonstrated that negative information could prime subjects to experience enhanced somatic perception under sham WiFi exposure.
  • Increased sympathetic activity, as measured by electrodermal activity, was noted during these exposures.
  • Interoceptive accuracy (ability to sense internal bodily states) moderated the strength of the nocebo effects based on the intensity of the stimulus.

Conclusion

The research supports the hypothesis that IEI-EMF may primarily be a psychological phenomenon induced by nocebo effects, challenging previous assumptions about the condition. This highlights the need for psychological interventions to address and possibly alleviate the symptoms.

nocebo effects electromagnetic fields IEI-EMF psychological interventions sympathetic activation
← Back to Stats