Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
Apropos of an Olfactory Reference Syndrome case.
Lizardo Cruzado1, Elisa Cáceres-Taco, Jesús R Calizaya
1Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental Honorio Delgado, Hideyo Noguchi, Lima, Perú. lizardo_cruzado@yahoo.com
Olfactory Reference Syndrome (ORS) is a delusional disorder where individuals mistakenly believe they emit foul body odor. The upcoming DSM-V may classify ORS as an independent condition, moving away from its somatic delusion categorization.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health
- Neurology
Background:
- Olfactory Reference Syndrome (ORS) is classified under somatic type of Delusional Disorder.
- ORS is characterized by the persistent belief of emitting offensive body odors.
- This belief leads to significant distress and social impairment.
Observation:
- The abstract discusses a case report on Olfactory Reference Syndrome.
- It reviews current literature regarding the classification of ORS.
- The focus is on the proposed changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
Findings:
- The upcoming DSM-V proposes reclassifying Olfactory Reference Syndrome (ORS).
- ORS may be separated from somatic delusions and recognized as an independent disorder.
- This reclassification is based on clinical observations and literature review.
Implications:
- Reclassifying ORS could impact diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches.
- Independent classification may improve recognition and reduce diagnostic overshadowing.
- Further research is needed to validate the proposed changes in DSM-V.
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