Olfactory and gustatory functions in bipolar disorders: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Sensory Science

Background:

• Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are observed in psychiatric disorders.
• Previous research on sensory function in bipolar disorder yields varied results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review studies assessing olfactory and gustatory function in bipolar disorder.
• To identify potential biomarkers and functional associations of sensory changes in bipolar disorder.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search for studies on olfaction and gustation in bipolar disorder.
• Inclusion of 15 studies for olfaction and 5 for gustation.
• Utilized standardized tests like the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and Sniffin' Sticks.

Main Results:

• Olfactory dysfunction, particularly in smell identification, was noted in several studies and may indicate bipolar disorder.
• Olfactory acuity correlated with psychosocial and cognitive performance.
• Patients with bipolar disorder exhibited more gustatory dysfunction than controls and non-bipolar depressed patients.

Conclusions:

• Sensory dysfunctions, especially in smell and taste, are prevalent in bipolar disorder.
• Olfactory deficits may serve as potential biomarkers for bipolar disorder.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the role of gustatory function in bipolar disorder.