A Case of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities: Cognitive Therapy for Somatization Disorder and Metaworry

Abstract

“Multiple chemical sensitivities” has become an increasingly common clinical presentation to physicians, though it is infrequently seen by psychotherapists. This case report describes a 61-year-old woman who presents with a long history of chemical sensitivities, that led to a somatization disorder with debilitating agoraphobia, depression, and marital problems. Features of a variety of anxiety disorders are present, as are metacognitions that required an unusual case conceptualization. A cognitive therapy case conceptualization and treatment are described, which address the highly idiosyncratic clinical presentation of this patient.