title: Jikoshu-kyofu in Singapore.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Jikoshu-kyofu (JKF), a condition characterised by a fear of offending others through emitting foul body odour, was first described in Japan in the 1960s. Although initially thought to be a culture-bound syndrome, it has been described in other countries. It is well established that there are two variants, a non- delusional and a delusional variant.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe two cases of JKF who sought treatment from a hospital in Singapore, compare and contrast their characteristics, and in view of overlaps with other conditions, discuss differential diagnoses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both cases involved women with fairly similar symptomatology except that the first case was younger, had overvalued ideas (but not delusions), an earlier age of onset and good treatment response, while the other had delusions, late age of onset, became too distressed to continue working and was initially resistant to treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It appears that the delusional variant may have a longer symptomatic duration before presentation, poorer insight, more resistance to treatment and multiple physician consultations, as well as greater impairment of socio-occupational functioning in contrast to the non-delusional variant.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Associate Professor, National University of Singapore, Singapore, and; Senior Consultant, Department of Psychiatry, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Associate Consultant, Department of Psychiatry, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore Yi_Min_WAN@juronghealth.com.sg.
authors.forename: Yi Min
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Wan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D003702:Delusions / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009812:Odorants; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012846:Singapore; D012919:Social Behavior; D013577:Syndrome
keywords: Jikoshu-kyofu; Olfactory Reference Syndrome; odours; olfaction disorders