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Olfaction in child and adolescent anorexia nervosa
Martin Schecklmann1, Christoph Pfannstiel, Andreas J Fallgatter
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany. martin.schecklmann@medbo.de
Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|December 21, 2011
Summary
Anorexia nervosa patients show normal olfactory function, but "pure" cases exhibit superior identification, possibly due to heightened attention to food stimuli. This suggests olfaction could be a diagnostic marker.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Previous research suggests altered olfactory function in anorexia nervosa, potentially linked to food aversion.
- Prior studies faced limitations including inadequate controls, insufficient exclusion criteria, and overlooking comorbidities and medication effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate olfactory function in female adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa, controlling for confounding factors.
- To explore the potential of olfaction as a phenotypic marker in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Compared olfactory function in 26 female adolescent anorexia nervosa patients and 23 healthy controls matched for age, gender, handedness, and intelligence.
- Controlled for comorbid disorders, psychopharmacological treatment, and depressive symptoms.
Main Results:
- No significant overall group differences in olfactory function were found.
- Patients with "pure" anorexia nervosa (n=15) demonstrated superior olfactory identification compared to controls.
- These findings suggest attentional processes towards food stimuli may mediate enhanced identification in anorexia nervosa.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory function is not globally disturbed in anorexia nervosa when controlling for confounding variables.
- Comorbidity and medication significantly impact olfactory performance, highlighting neurobiological factors in anorexia nervosa.
- Olfaction may serve as a valuable phenotypic marker for differential diagnosis in neuropsychiatric conditions.
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