Olfactory sensitivity in major depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder

Olfactory sensitivity to two odorants, isoamyl acetate and androsterone, was assessed in 14 obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, nine major depressive disorder (MDD) patients, and 16 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Tests were performed during a drug-free period, and 3 and 6 weeks after initiation of antidepressant drug therapy. No difference in olfactory sensitivity, to either odorant, was found between OCD patients and controls at any time. In MDD patients, a significant increase in the sensitivity to isoamyl acetate was observed 6 weeks after initiation of treatment, compared to controls.