Psychophysical chemosensory dysfunction in eating disorders: a qualitative systematic review

Authors

Evelyn M. Leland, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, 601 N. Caroline St, 6th floor, Ste 6230, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
Deborah X. Xie, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, 601 N. Caroline St, 6th floor, Ste 6230, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
Vidyulata Kamath, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Stella M. Seal, Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Sandra Y. Lin, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, 601 N. Caroline St, 6th floor, Ste 6230, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
Nicholas R. Rowan, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, 601 N. Caroline St, 6th floor, Ste 6230, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA. nrowan1@jhmi.edu.

Document Type

Article

Abstract

PURPOSE: Patients with chemosensory dysfunction experience significant quality of life disruptions, including reduced enjoyment of eating. While chemosensory dysfunction has been associated with eating disorders, the relationship is poorly understood. This systematic review aims to characterize psychophysical gustation and olfaction in patients with eating disorders. METHODS: Systematic review of investigations assessing psychophysical chemosensory function in patients with organic eating disorders. RESULTS: 26 studies were included. Five studies assessed both chemosenses, while 12 and 9 assessed exclusively gustation or olfaction, respectively. In total, 779 patients were included [72.4% anorexia nervosa (AN), 26.7% bulimia nervosa (BN), 0.8% combined AN/BN]. Patients with eating disorders experienced rates of hypogeusia up to 87% in AN and 84.6% in BN. There was evidence for alterations in psychophysical olfaction, but orientation of trends were less clear. Chemosensory dysfunction was more evident in AN patients. Treatment correlated with improved chemosensory function. CONCLUSIONS: Despite heterogeneity in study methodology and results, this review demonstrates that patients with eating disorders experience some degree of chemosensory dysfunction, particularly in gustation. This symptomatology overlaps with those experienced by patients with other causes of chemosensory impairment. These findings suggest potential broad psychosocial, dietary, and mental health implications in patient populations experiencing chemosensory dysfunction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Medical Subject Headings

Anorexia Nervosa (psychology); Bulimia Nervosa (psychology); Diet; Feeding and Eating Disorders (complications); Humans; Quality of Life

Publication Date

3-1-2022

Publication Title

Eating and weight disorders : EWD

E-ISSN

1590-1262

Volume

27

Issue

2

First Page

429

Last Page

447

PubMed ID

33876410

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s40519-021-01189-2

Recommended Citation

Leland, Evelyn M.; Xie, Deborah X.; Kamath, Vidyulata; Seal, Stella M.; Lin, Sandra Y.; and Rowan, Nicholas R., "Psychophysical chemosensory dysfunction in eating disorders: a qualitative systematic review" (2022). ENT and Skull Base Surgery. 40.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/ent-and-skull-base-surgery/40