Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Survival Guide (Paperback)

by Pamela Reed Gibson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
People who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity (or MCS) develop severe allergic reactions to their environments. Solvents, pesticides, fresh paint, new carpets, perfumes, and air fresheners are just a few of the substances that can trigger an MCS attack. The condition is often hard to diagnose, and frustrated patients are frequently shuttled from doctor to doctor. This survival guide is based on the latest MCS research-and on the data that the author accumulated over five years researching the impact of MCS on its victims. She reviews what is known about MCS and its symptoms and provides step-by-step advice for coping with the condition, including taking steps to make your home safe, getting professional help, and mobilizing the support of family and friends.

About the Author
Pamela Reed Gibson, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Psychology at James Madison University, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She is the author of numerous journal articles and regularly presents papers on MCS and environmental health topics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 375 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications (February 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157224173X
• ISBN-13: 978-1572241732
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #599,635 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #56 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Medical > Administration & Medicine Economics > Public Health > Toxicology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books on MCS, May 15, 2000

By A Customer

My wife suffers from MCS. As such, I have read most of the books available concerning MCS. Most books are from a medical professional covering a particular medical theory or treatment plan for MCS. What makes this book different is that it really explains the impact of MCS on people's lives. It dispells the myths surrounding the various treatments. The book is based upon surveys and interviews with hundreds of MCS patients. As such, the advice is based upon their experiences. When discussing treatments, statistics are provided on how many people were helped, how many harmed, how many uncertain.

This books is great for those new to MCS, those who have been around a long time, those who are patients, those who know someone with MCS.

I would recommend this book be added to anyone's library. This is not the only excellent book on MCS ... it is now simply the first book I recommend that people read.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent guide for those just learning about MCS, March 31, 2000

By	Andrea DesJardins (Anchorage, Alaska) - See all my reviews

As someone who has been learning about MCS since 1994, I found this book to be an excellent overview of this frustrating, frightening and confusing malady. It is very easy to just open it and start reading at any point in the book, without losing context of the overall message. The author is very thorough in her scope, and presents her message in very easy to understand terms.

Of particular interest is the time the author spends on the emotional aspect of this illness. Unlike other psychologists, Dr. Gibson does NOT try to imply that MCS is not a physical but rather a psychological illness. Instead she includes an entire chapter for patients to share with their therapist, where she explains how MCS does NOT fit the somatization model that mainstream psychology claims as the cause of MCS symptoms. This is a refreshing approach from the psychology profession, as one of the biggest roadblocks that MCS patients must fight is the claim that "its all in your head."

I highly recommend this book to anybody who has just recently been diagnosed with MCS, or suspects they may have an environmentally related illness. I also feel that it is an excellent book for MCS patients to share with their families and friends who are struggling to understand what is going on with their loved one.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, April 5, 2001

By	Sarmoti "Sarmotilover" (Arizona, United States) - See all my reviews

This is an excellent book. I highly recommend it. It is great for people who are new to the MCS/Chemical Sensitivity world. It also takes you allot further. There are so many things in this book that others do not cover. There is also a nice resource listing of where to buy special products just for the Chemically Sensitive individual, I found that very useful as well. I would say if your new to MCS then this is the book for you. It is the most comprehensive, straight forward easy to read version. I would start here and then move on to others by Bonnye L. Matthews Or William Rea.