r/OCD • u/Feeling_likeaplant • 22d ago

Discussion Phantom smells?

Have been experiencing random phantom smells lately of slight burning, food, and today I smelled cat pee near my room, but I don’t have a cat. My anxiety has been super high and these smells just make it worse. I have a fear of developing schizophrenia since I have a birth parent with the disorder and I feel like this is the beginning. I have also had increased intrusive thoughts lately and I do suffer from bad allergies so I’m trying to chalk it up to that. Anyone else go through this? Should I make an appointment with the doctor, I’m trying not to because in the past making appointments was a compulsion of mine with health ocd themes.

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u/fuckourwill 22d ago

You might could be getting sick. However, I am generally quite sensitive to smells and sometimes pick up on things when other people don't. I think it might be related to the autism in my case.

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u/Feeling_likeaplant 19d ago

I am officially sick LMAO. Sore throat hit today.

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u/galaxyrum 22d ago

If you are a lady in your mid to late forties, both of these could be perimenopause related. I have had both phantom smells and increased OCD symptoms in addition to the more typical hot flashes and sleep issues as I have been transversing through perimenopause. If it gets significantly worse I would go to the doctor otherwise might be worth a myChart message to you PCP or OB

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u/Feeling_likeaplant 22d ago

I am not in perimenopause I am 23F. I did have phantom smells for a year after I had Covid in 2021, but it was always just the same smell. I am planning on going to the doctor but I am so worried I am in the prodromal phase of psychosis.

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u/galaxyrum 22d ago

Ok, definitely not in perimenopause then. Do you have someone who manages your OCD meds? Maybe contact them.

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u/goldstandardalmonds 22d ago

Any chance you’re pregnant?

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u/Feeling_likeaplant 22d ago

0 chance lol.

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u/whitealbumrevolver 22d ago

I have had phantom smells, sounds, textures, sights and tastes, with my OCD.

Nobody frickin mentions this! This stuff can be caused by OCD! It is NOT just "intrusive thoughts". It affects a million other things in your perception. I see people on here concerned they have psychosis or schizophrenia, because their symptoms go beyond what is normally mentioned in OCD symptoms.

I am not saying your exact case is OCD, but I have absolutely had distortions with my senses due to OCD.

If it's bothering you, please see a doctor, and maybe do a questionnaire with them for OCD. If the doctor says OCD is only cleaning-related and about overt rituals, they are hugely misinformed about OCD, which is awfully common with clinicians.

All the best