The association between multiple chemical sensitivity and mental illness: Evidence from a nationally representative sample of Canadians

- Multiple chemical sensitivity was associated with major depressive disorder and severe distress in both males and females.
- Multiple chemical sensitivity was associated with generalized anxiety disorder in males, but not females.
- Multiple chemical sensitivity was inversely related to positive mental wellbeing in males, but not females.

ObjectiveThe goal of the present study was to investigate the association between multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), MDD and GAD comorbidity (MDD + GAD), severe distress, and positive mental wellbeing.MethodsThis cross-sectional investigation was carried out using the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey - Mental Health Component. The study population consisted of 21,977 individuals aged 20 and older, from Canada's ten provinces. Odds ratios were computed using multinomial logistic regression to calculate estimates of the association between MCS and mental illness. All analyses were weighted to take into account the complex survey design.ResultsIndividuals with MCS had 2.37 (1.55, 3.64) times greater odds of MDD, 3.09 (1.80, 5.30) times greater odds of MDD + GAD, and 2.60 (1.67, 4.07) times greater odds of severe distress. No association between MCS and GAD was observed. A sex difference was observed with males with MCS having lower odds of positive mental wellbeing, whereas no association was observed in females.ConclusionsThe present study findings supported an association between MCS and mental illness. The causal mechanism supporting this association remains unclear.