Phantosmia vs. parosmia: What’s the difference?
Phantosmia is when you detect smells that aren’t there, while parosmia refers to a distorted sense of smell. These conditions share many of the same causes. Like phantosmia, parosmia treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Is phantosmia a mental health condition?
No, but phantosmia may be a symptom of some mood disorders and mental health conditions, including schizophrenia.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Phantosmia refers to detecting smells that aren’t really there. It’s a symptom of many common conditions, including allergies, colds and upper respiratory infections. It could also indicate a brain-related condition, including epilepsy, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease. If you have phantom smells that last longer than a few weeks, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
