"Hypersensitivity to Electricity" in the Office; Symptoms and Improvement.

ABSTRACT

Nineteen persons "hypersensitive" to electricity and 20 nonafflicted persons were studied for 1 ½ years. The most discernible hypersensitivity symptoms were pricking sensations and redness in the face, but these symptoms were present in only half of the afflicted. Other symptoms were similar to symptoms experienced during office work and this study does not support the idea that electrosensitivity is one single syndrome. The "hypersensitive" persons improved significantly, mainly on neuropsychiatric symptoms, but the skin problems sustained- as did the belief about their cause. The afflicted persons used less conventional medication than the group of the nonafflicted, which suggests a general tendency for attribution to environmental factors.