Presentation Schedule
How Can Individuals with Olfactory Reference Disorder Symptoms Be Supported? (89090)
Wednesday, 26 March 2025 15:40
Session: Poster Session 3
Room: Orion Hall (5F)
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Olfactory reference disorder (ORD) is a mental illness characterized by a preoccupation with emitting offensive odors and subsequent excessive and avoidant behaviors. ORD was once considered a culture-bound syndrome, specifically seen in Japan as "Jikoshu-Kyofu". Today, ORD is prevalent worldwide, and individuals with ORD symptoms experience psychosocial impediments and high suicidal ideation. However, ORD research is scant, and no evidence-based approach has been established, making ORD a long-neglected mental health issue. To identify the limitations of the current support system and develop future intervention strategies, this online survey examined differences in treatment utilization experiences between Japanese individuals with past and present self-reported ORD symptoms. Data from 71 and 139 participants with past and present ORD symptoms, respectively, were analyzed. The utilization of mental healthcare was low in both groups (past: 7.04%, present: 15.83%). No differences were observed in the duration of untreated illness. However, 75.00% of individuals in the past ORD group who sought mental health clinics were diagnosed with Jikoshu-Kyofu. In the present ORD group, the diagnosis rate of Jikoshu-Kyofu was only 33.33%. Individuals with past ORD symptoms had more positive experiences with medical specialists (e.g., dentists and dermatologists); however, 64.79% in the past ORD group sought no specialist. These results suggest that increasing ORD awareness among physical and mental healthcare specialists is crucial. Some individuals may recover from their odor concerns through physical treatment or no treatment, suggesting that mental healthcare may not always be needed. Instead, a tailored support system for such individuals needs to be established.
Authors:
Nanako Sano, Tohoku University, Japan
Saran Yoshida, Tohoku University, Japan
About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Nanako Sano is currently a graduate student at Tohoku University, Japan.
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