Is there a perceptual basis to Olfactory reference disorder?

Abstract

Theoretical backgroundIndividuals with Olfactory Reference Disorder (ORD) share the belief that they spread an intense body odor which is offensive to others, even if objectively, this odor is not or only slightly perceived by others. QuestionsDo individuals with ORD differ from individuals without ORD in their ability to identify their own body odor and their hedonic evaluation of their own and foreign body odors? Do individuals with ORD report more negative emotions in response to their own body odor? SampleThirty-eight persons with clinically significant ORD and 38 matched controls. MethodOdor samples (sweat) were collected from all participants and presented to them (blind) for an identification and evaluation task. Facial changes due to the odor presentation were video-recorded. ResultsNo significant differences between groups emerged in the identification rate for one’s own body odor or in facial expressions. Individuals with ORD evaluated their own body odor as more disgusting than did the control group, even though they were unable to explicitly identify it. DiscussionThe sensitivity to one's own and foreign body odors is not more pronounced in individuals with ORD than in individuals without this syndrome. The differences found in the hedonic ratings may indicate a more implicit, cognitive processing of odor stimuli in ORD.