In psychiatry, sensory perception is considered critically important. Yet Despite Its Vital Role in Social and Emotional Functioning, when it comes to assessing a patient, how well the person exercises their sense of smell is frequently overlied.

To probe deeper, université de montréal ph.d. Candidate Morganne Masse Decided to Research a Little-Known Syndrome Related to the Perception of Smell, Called Olfactory Reference Syndrome (Ors).

An article She co-authored on the topic with her research supervisor emmanuel stip, a professor emeritus in udem’s department of psychiatry and addiction, was published last october in Santé Mentale Au Québec (in French with English Translation Aavilable).

A Little-KNOWN Condition

Ors is a misperception that leads people to believe they are emitting a foul odor. This undressTudied syndrome was first described in 1891 by CS potts. It is also known by other names, such as autodysomophobia and olfactory phobic syndrome.

Ors is characterized by stubborn belief and significant distress that can interfere with daily functioning. Patients May Experience Significant Impairment in Their Social and Professional Lives Security of their Constant Preoccupation with Body Body Odor.

Symptoms Typically appear in a person’s 20s. They may be triggered by external stress or a specific olfactory experience.

Ors have a dramaatic effect on social relationships. Patients Misinterpret Innocent gestures by people Around them (Such as touching their nose or clear their throat)

Two case studies

DURING HER PSYCHIATRIC ENTERNP AT The L’E Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale De Montréal, Massse Assessed Two Men With Ors. There, we have interesting similars and differentises between the two cases. While one patient was altar to maintain a social and professional life despite his challenges, the other beCame Increasingly Isolated, Avoiding Public Places and Falling Into PROLLONGED

The first patient, a 63-yar-old man, Had Struggled With Body Odor Misperception Since the age of 20. Mouth. He Had An Active Social Life, Including Friendships and A Romantic Relationship, but avoided public transit and social events out of bothering others.

The second patient, a 53-year-old man, presented with similar symptoms, but with great greensity. He Percented An Odor of Excrement Emanating From His Mouth and Rectum, Leading Him to Avoid All Social Contact and live as a recluse. He also experienced Auditory Hallucinations and Suicidal Ideation.

Therapeutic strategies

Masse also reviewed 53 scientific publications on ors to identify the challenges associateed with managing the syndrome and possible treatments.

“People with ors have often gone from doctor to doctor before being referred to psychiatry,” said maasse. “They will consult numerous specialists – Dentists, Dermatologists – to try to eliminate the odors they believe they Emit. The two patients in our stators in our status in Drug therapies before receiving an accurate diagnosis. “

According to the literature, despite the complexity of the disorder, the program is favorite in Around two-thirds of cases. Treatment typically involves a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medicine, usually antidepressants and anxiolytics. New Therapeutic Approaches, Such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, also show promise.

“CBT has been shown to Reduce dysfunctional thoughts and anxiety, while antidepressants are also also recommended, often in combination with cbt,” Said masse. “Another approach is to address the delustional component of ors similar to the way we treate the positive symptoms of psychosis. Antipsychotics, although the latter are generally less effective. “

Masse and stip’s study underscores the need for systematic assessment of smell-Related Symptoms in Psychiatry and for Furter Research into ors. They hope to present their findings at the June meeting of the association des médecins psychiatres du québec, accompanied by a peer helper who can share his living experience.