Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Olfaction may be related to food restriction and weight loss. However, reports regarding olfactory function in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) have been inconclusive.
OBJECTIVE: Characterize olfactory sensitivity and identification in female adolescents and young adults with first-episode AN and young females recovered from AN.
METHODS: We used the Sniffin' Sticks Odor Threshold Test and Odor Identification Test to assess 43 participants with first-episode AN, 27 recovered participants, and 39 control participants. Participants completed the Importance of Olfaction questionnaire, the Beck Youth Inventory and the Eating Disorder Inventory. We also conducted a psychiatric diagnostic interview and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule with participants.
RESULTS: Both clinical groups showed heightened olfactory sensitivity. After excluding participants with depression, participants with first-episode AN identified more odors than recovered participants.
CONCLUSION: Heightened olfactory sensitivity in AN may be independent of clinical status, whereas only individuals with current AN and without depression show more accurate odor identification.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e0169183 |
| Journal | PloS one |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| ISSN | 1932-6203 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Jan 2017 |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Female
- Humans
- Olfactory Perception
- Sensory Thresholds
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Young Adult
- Journal Article