What is olfactory reference syndrome (ORS)?

Do you worry that others think you smell bad? Does this cause distress and/or impairment in you daily life? If this is the case, you might be suffering from olfactory reference syndrome (ORS). People with ORS have an excessive preoccupation with the belief that they emit an unpleasant body odor, despite being reassured by others that they do not. It is also common to exhibit highly time consuming behaviors that aim to mask or control the odor in some way.

Currently, Psykiatri Sydväst, Stockholms läns landsting, is investigating whether Internet delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) can be used to treat distress associated with ORS.

Typical symptoms

• An excessive preoccupation with a strongly held belief that one emitts a foul or offensive body odor that others perceive.
• The preoccupation persits despite reassurence from others that they do not perceive the odor.
• Repeated attempts to mask the odor or behaviors that aim to reduce or eliminate the odor.
• The belief and fear of emitting the odor causes significant distress and/or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Prevalence

At this time, the prevalence of ORS in the community is not known.

Treatment

If you identify with the descritpion of ORS above, we recommend that you seek help through the health care service where you live.

Please notice

The Internet-based treatment/study described on this website is conducted in Swedish and only available to people registered and living in Sweden.