Authors : Zubairu Umar; Adebayo Adebisi Sunday; Ahmad Abubakar; Abdulaziz Hadi Ibrahim; Abubakar Sulaiman Baguda; Folorunsho Nuhu Muftau; Junaidu Sarki

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yasn3wnp

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4ybb8rc4

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May2073

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background Somatic-type delusional disorder involves fixed false beliefs about bodily functions or sensations. A particularly distressing presentation is the conviction of emitting a foul odor, a condition with significant phenomenological overlap with Olfactory Reference Syndrome (ORS). Patients often experience delayed diagnosis due to initial presentations in nonpsychiatric settings.  Case Presentation A 29-year-old male university student presented with a one-year history of a persistent and unshakeable belief that his mouth emitted a foul odor. This belief was maintained despite normal dental and otorhinolaryngological examinations and repeated reassurance. The preoccupation resulted in significant social withdrawal, avoidance of interpersonal interactions, and compulsive oral hygiene behaviors. Mental status examination revealed a fixed somatic delusion and absent insight, in the context of intact cognition and no other psychotic features. A diagnosis of Delusional Disorder, Somatic Type, was made. Management involved a combination of atypical antipsychotics and cognitive-behavioral therapy, leading to a reduction in distress and improved social functioning.  Conclusion This case underscores the severe psychosocial impairment associated with odor-related somatic delusions and highlights the critical need for early psychiatric intervention. A combined pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approach is effective in managing this condition and preventing chronic disability.

Keywords : Delusional Disorder; Somatic Type; Olfactory Reference Syndrome; Mouth Odor; Psychosis; Case Report.

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