This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
On November 6, 2019, a woman was referred to a doctor by her husband due to her persistent belief that she had a bad body odour.
Despite numerous medical tests and examinations by various specialists, including ENT surgeons, gastroenterologists, and skin doctors, no physical cause for the odour was found.
The woman's delusional disorder was eventually diagnosed as Monosymptomatic Delusional disorder, a mental illness that causes individuals to hold false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.
With the consent of her family, the woman began treatment with antipsychotic medication, which successfully melted away her delusion and allowed her to return to her normal life.
This case highlights the complex relationship between mental health and physical symptoms, and the importance of seeking professional help when dealing with persistent and distressing beliefs.
It also serves as a reminder that some mental health disorders can lead to false beliefs about body odour, and that these beliefs can be treated with the right medical intervention.
