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Gulf war syndrome is the name given to a variety of psychological and physical symptoms suffered by veterans of the Gulf War. The symptoms have been remarkably wide-ranging, sometimes somewhat ill-defined, and distinguished by the number of theories advanced as to their origin. None of the theories have as yet (March 2002) held up under detailed study of those afflicted, leading to suspicions in those suffering that there is some widespread cover-up of the true cause.

Some of the causes that have been suggested, some more likely than others:

• Depleted uranium poisoning
• the side-effects of drugs given for protection against nerve agents
• methanol poisoning from hydrolysed aspartame sweeteners in soft drinks stored in the heat of the Arabian desert.
• and many, many more...

A contrary view has been advanced, that GWS is not a physical illness, but a response to the stresses of war, and that similar syndromes have been seen as an after effect of many conflicts - for example, 'shell shock' after World War I, and 'post-traumatic stress disorder' after the Vietnam War. If this were true, the unfortunate effect is that the psychologically based therapy that might help support those affected in their very real distress, is neglected in favour of a futile search for a non-existent physical cause: and repeated studies where a particular cause is found to be unconnected become regarded as further evidence for a cover-up by the authorities.

Relationship between Gulf War Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

The symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome are remarkably similar to those associated with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) leading many to believe that they are in fact related, and both the results of toxic chemical exposure. This similarity, and the fact that there is no medical test that will diagnose either, has led some experts to believe that neither illness is physical but purely psychosomatic. Others believe that the cause of the illness is physical, although as yet unidentifiable, and that it will eventually be pinpointed, leading to the legitimisation of the illness and the development of successful treatments. This has occurred with asthma, allergies, repetitive strain injury and many other previously 'dubious' complaints.