A case of Jikoshu-Kyofu treated with cognitive behavioural therapy

Lim L, Ajay D
Correspondence: A/Prof Leslie Lim, leslie.lim.e.c@sgh.com.sg

ABSTRACT
Jikoshu-Kyofu (JKF) is a subtype of Taijin-Kyofu-Sho (TKS), a form of social anxiety first described in Japanese sufferers. Unlike the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 4th edition text revised definition of social anxiety disorder, TKS is characterised by a fear of offending others, whereas in the case of JKF, it is the fear of giving off a smell, thus causing offence. We describe the symptoms of JKF in a young woman who was treated with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). After only four sessions, the patient’s anxiety ratings, as measured on the Social Phobia Inventory and Brief Social Phobia Scale, dropped considerably. This case illustrates the successful treatment of a patient with JKF-like symptoms using CBT.

Keywords: cognitive behavioural therapy, Jikoshu-Kyofu, olfactory reference syndrome, social anxiety disorder, Taijin-Kyofu-Sho
Singapore Med J 2012; 53(7):e139–e141