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Olfactory Reference Syndrome, and Related Conditions
Olfactory Reference Syndrome (ORS), also known as Autodysomophobia, is characterized by excessive, irrational fear that one is emitting a foul or unpleasant odor. The obsession may be an exaggerated, disproportionate concern with a natural body smell, or may involve an entirely imagined odor. ORS goes beyond normal concern with one's hygiene, and may significantly impair academic and professional functioning, as well as interpersonal relationships. In extreme cases, individuals with Olfactory Reference Syndrome may quit work and avoid social situations in an effort to avert the embarrassment they imagine they will experience when others detect the alleged odor.
Common Olfactory Reference Syndrome obsessions include:
Common Olfactory Reference Syndrome compulsions include:
Because of these similarities, the same techniques that are so effective in treating OCD are utilized in the treatment of Olfactory Reference Syndrome. The primary treatment is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). To learn more about Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for the treatment of Olfactory Reference Syndrome, click here.
In addition to individual therapy for Olfactory Reference Styndrome, the OCD Center of Los Angeles also offers five weekly, low-fee, therapy/support groups for people with OCD, Olfactory Reference Syndrome, and related conditions. These groups are lead by our staff therapists, and use the same treatment protocol as our individual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy program. For more information on these groups, click here.
If you are experiencing any of the above Olfactory Reference Syndrome symptoms, and would like to discuss individual or group therapy for the treatment of ORS at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, you can call us at (310) 335-5443, or click here to email us. If you live outside Southern California, we recommend that you contact a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist in your local area.
OLFACTORY REFERENCE SYNDROME (AUTODYSOMOPHOBIA) TREATMENT
As demonstrated above, Olfactory Reference Syndrome has obsessive-compulsive features that are quite similar to both OCD and BDD. In fact, ORS is considered by many to be a sub-type of OCD or BDD, and does not currently exist as a separate diagnostic category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) published by the American Psychiatric Association. Regardless of the diagnostic terminology used, it is important to note that the cyclical process by which the symptoms in Olfactory Reference Syndrome intensify is the same as in OCD and BDD. To learn more about this process, click here.
Please note that the above is not meant to replace a complete and thorough evaluation by a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist or other qualified mental health professional. As with OCD, some individuals with Olfactory Reference Syndrome may benefit from medication, and may therefore require a psychiatric evaluation. Likewise, a psychiatric assessment may be necessary to differentiate between ORS and other psychological conditions. If a psychiatric evaluation is indicated, the OCD Center of Los Angeles can refer you to a qualified psychiatrist in our area. Furthermore, it is imperative to make the distinction between Olfactory Reference Syndrome and other medical conditions. For this reason, a medical examination may be necessary.
