Could electrohypersensitivity be a specific form of high sensory processing sensitivity?

PAPER manual Frontiers in Public Health 2025 Cross-sectional study Effect: mixed Evidence: Low

Read original paper → DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1550427 Evidence Lab

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: electrohypersensitivity, sensory processing sensitivity, electromagnetic fields, anxiety, risk perception, avoidance strategies, mental health DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1550427 URL: frontiersin.org Overview Electrohypersensitivity (EHS) describes individuals who report experiencing a variety of symptoms triggered by exposure to electromagnetic fields. Notably, the patterns of symptoms experienced in EHS are similar to descriptions seen in high sensory processing sensitivity (HSPS). This study explores whether these two phenomena overlap and investigates the potential link between them. Methods - Participants: 100 individuals - Assessment Tools: Questionnaire covering EHS, HSPS, absorption, risk perception, avoidance strategies related to electromagnetic fields, and presence of anxiety and depressive disorders. Findings - A higher proportion of individuals classified as highly sensitive (HSPS) was found among those reporting EHS symptoms. - Significant differences were observed in anxiety and depression symptomatology as well as in cognitive strategies, such as risk perception and avoidance of electromagnetic exposure, among the groups studied. Conclusion The findings support an association between electrohypersensitivity and high sensory processing sensitivity, suggesting that EHS could potentially be understood as a specific manifestation of heightened sensory sensitivity. The authors also discuss avenues for further research and practical interventions for highly sensitive individuals, regardless of whether EHS is directly caused by electromagnetic radiation.

AI evidence extraction

At a glance

Study type

Cross-sectional study

Effect direction

mixed

Population

Participants (100 individuals); further population characteristics not stated.

Sample size

100

Exposure

Evidence strength

Low

Confidence: 74% · Peer-reviewed: yes

Main findings

A higher proportion of individuals classified as highly sensitive (HSPS) was found among those reporting EHS symptoms. Groups differed significantly in anxiety and depression symptomatology and in cognitive strategies including risk perception and avoidance of electromagnetic exposure.

Outcomes measured

electrohypersensitivity (EHS) symptoms
high sensory processing sensitivity (HSPS) classification/level
absorption
risk perception related to electromagnetic fields
avoidance strategies related to electromagnetic exposure
anxiety symptomatology
depression symptomatology
presence of anxiety disorders
presence of depressive disorders

Suggested hubs

electrohypersensitivity-ehs (0.95)
Study explicitly examines electrohypersensitivity and related symptoms/behaviors.

View raw extracted JSON

{
    "study_type": "cross_sectional",
    "exposure": {
        "band": null,
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Participants (100 individuals); further population characteristics not stated.",
    "sample_size": 100,
    "outcomes": [
        "electrohypersensitivity (EHS) symptoms",
        "high sensory processing sensitivity (HSPS) classification/level",
        "absorption",
        "risk perception related to electromagnetic fields",
        "avoidance strategies related to electromagnetic exposure",
        "anxiety symptomatology",
        "depression symptomatology",
        "presence of anxiety disorders",
        "presence of depressive disorders"
    ],
    "main_findings": "A higher proportion of individuals classified as highly sensitive (HSPS) was found among those reporting EHS symptoms. Groups differed significantly in anxiety and depression symptomatology and in cognitive strategies including risk perception and avoidance of electromagnetic exposure.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "electrohypersensitivity",
        "EHS",
        "high sensory processing sensitivity",
        "HSPS",
        "electromagnetic fields",
        "risk perception",
        "avoidance strategies",
        "anxiety",
        "depression",
        "mental health"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "electrohypersensitivity-ehs",
            "weight": 0.9499999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
            "reason": "Study explicitly examines electrohypersensitivity and related symptoms/behaviors."
        }
    ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract/metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

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