Two Cases of Olfactory Reference Syndrome

Kim, Ja Yun; Cho, Yun Gyoo

Abstract

Disease identity of dysmorphophobia and olfactory reference syndrome which used to be manifested by a kind of monosymptomatic somatic delusion is not yet established definitely. So many issues such as whether it be regarded as separate disease, or a spectrum of preexisting diseases such as schizophrenia or obsessive compulsive disorder and whether the monosymptom should be considered as a delusion or not are still on debate and the results are controversial. Consequently few is known about the etiology of the disorder.Obvioulsy, somatic delusion in dysmorphophobia and olfactory reference syndrome is the result of cognitive distortion of body image of the self. It reflects symbolic meaning of unresolved psychological conflict by defense mechanisms such as repression, dissociation, symbolization, projection, and so on. Though psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment modality has been reported, the treatment efficacy is unclear. Prognosis has been reported unfavorable and one of the leading causes has been thought to be treatment noncompliance. The authors experienced 2 cases of olfactory reference syndrome, so reported with literature review.