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Description
Electrohypersensitivity (EHS) refers to a syndrome where individuals attribute various symptoms to exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), despite the lack of validated clinical or biological evidence. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies this sensitivity under idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI). The “nocebo” hypothesis, where the expectation of negative effects leads to symptoms, is often proposed, though it does not explain all cases. Some researchers suggest that pre-existing symptoms are later reinterpreted as being caused by EMF. Additionally, temperamental traits, such as high sensory-processing sensitivity (HSPS), have been linked to environmental syndromes, including EHS.
Eighty-seven participants were included into four groups: EHS, EHS?, SNS, and non-EHS. EHS was additionally assessed using a score based on the impact of EMF in daily life and the number of symptoms reported. Sensory sensitivity was measured with the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), and anxiety and depression were evaluated using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales.
Depression score was significantly higher in EHS individuals compared to the other groups, and positively influenced by HSPS. Moderation analysis revealed that the relationship between self-assessed sensitivity and the depression score was moderated by HSPS scores. However, no influence was found between HSPS and anxiety score.
This study highlights the complexity of the relationship between EHS, sensory sensitivity, and the depression score. However, the small sample size and the COVID-19 context limit the generalizability of the findings. Longitudinal studies are needed to further explore these relationships.
