Olfactory and Neuropsychological Functioning in Olfactory Reference Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Psychology

Background:

• Olfactory reference syndrome (ORS) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by preoccupation with emitting an offensive body odor.
• ORS is underrecognized and understudied, with limited empirical evidence on its features and etiology.
• ORS is newly recognized in the International Classification of Diseases (11th Edition).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate neuropsychological and olfactory functioning in individuals with ORS.
• To determine if central nervous system or sensory dysfunction is associated with ORS.
• To explore potential underlying mechanisms of ORS.

Main Methods:

• Preliminary investigation involving 9 consecutive participants with ORS.
• Participants completed structured clinical interviews.
• Neuropsychological and olfaction evaluations were performed.

Main Results:

• A proportion of individuals with ORS showed deficits in cognitive functioning, including processing speed and executive function.
• Recognition memory bias for ORS-related words was observed.
• Deficits in olfaction (odor detection and discrimination) and emotional processing were noted.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary findings suggest cognitive, olfaction, and emotional processing deficits in ORS.
• Further neuropsychological and olfaction studies are necessary.
• These studies will help characterize this patient group and address study limitations.