Related Experiment Videos
Olfactory sensitivity in major depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder
R Gross-Isseroff1, K Luca-Haimovici, Y Sasson
1Division of Psychiatry, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Biological Psychiatry
|May 15, 1994
Summary
Obsessive compulsive disorder patients showed no olfactory changes. Major depressive disorder patients experienced increased sensitivity to isoamyl acetate after six weeks of antidepressant treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Olfactory research
Background:
- Olfactory dysfunction is reported in various psychiatric disorders.
- The impact of antidepressant treatment on olfactory sensitivity in major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate olfactory sensitivity to isoamyl acetate and androsterone in patients with OCD and MDD.
- To assess the effects of antidepressant therapy on olfactory function in these patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Olfactory sensitivity was measured in 14 OCD patients, 9 MDD patients, and 16 healthy controls.
- Testing occurred during a drug-free period and at 3 and 6 weeks post-antidepressant initiation.
- Sensitivity to isoamyl acetate and androsterone was assessed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in olfactory sensitivity were found between OCD patients and controls at any time point.
- MDD patients demonstrated a significant increase in sensitivity to isoamyl acetate 6 weeks after starting antidepressant treatment compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Antidepressant treatment may improve olfactory sensitivity in major depressive disorder.
- Olfactory function does not appear to be affected by obsessive compulsive disorder or its treatment.