Occupational status of patients with delusional halitosis

OBJECTIVE: Delusional halitosis is an imagined offensive chronic bad breath with no objective evidence of malodour, which constitute a major handicap to afflicted individuals. This study observed the occupational status of patients with delusional halithosis and how the condition affected their social interaction and communication. METHOD: 68 patients were diagnosed over a period of three years (2000 to 2003) after detailed history and examination, at the Oral Diagnosis Department. RESULTS: There was a male to female ratio of 3:2, the largest group of patients were males within age bracket 20 to 29 years, but average age was 38 years .Students were mostly affected, 34 cases (50%). CONCLUSION: We observed that delusional halitosis was no respecter of persons, this condition affects most, if not all occupations. These patients suffered social embarrassment in their interpersonal relationships, poor academic\ career performance and in a few cases, withdrawal or resignation from school \ career.