Association Between Olfactory Performance and Affective Symptoms in Children

Abstract

Introduction: Correlations between olfactory performance and particular personality traits (e.g., disgust proneness), as well as symptoms of specific mental disorders (e.g., depression) have been found in numerous studies with adults. The present questionnaire study examined whether similar associations already exist in childhood. Method: The olfactory discrimination ability of 66 children (32 boys and 34 girls aged between 7 and 11 years) was tested. In addition, the children filled out screening questionnaires to assess the severity of symptoms related to depression, various anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, social anxiety disorder), and disgust proneness. A multiple regression analysis was calculated with olfactory performance as criterion variable and questionnaire scores as predictor variables. Results: The results showed that depression and disgust proneness were negatively associated with olfactory discrimination ability. Moreover, high levels of social anxiety and low levels of panic symptoms were found to be positive predictors of olfactory performance. Conclusion: This investigation identified specific associations between olfactory performance and affective symptoms in children. Implications: Future tests with pediatric samples (children with anxiety disorders, depression) are recommended.