Association between psychophysically measured olfactory dysfunction and mental health status in long COVID patients

Long COVID frequently presents with persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD), affecting both physical and psychological well-being. This study aims to evaluate the mental health consequences of OD in long COVID patients.

A cross-sectional study involved 86 adult patients. Participants presented OD for at least three months post-COVID- 19 and were evaluated using the extended battery of Sniffin' Sticks test (SST). Psychological assessments included the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q).

Significant differences in mental health factors were observed between patients with and without OD: in comparison to normosmic patients, hyposmic patients showed higher IES-R Total, Avoidance, and Hyperarousal scores, along with increased DASS-21 Anxiety scores and BHS total scores.

OD in long COVID patients were significantly associated with increased post-traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety symptoms and hopelessness, and with lower quality of life. Limited sample size, inability to determine causation and exploratory nature of the study may limit the generalizability of results. Comprehensive management addressing both physical and mental health should be assessed in long COVID patients.