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ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders

Published in:

01-03-2011 | Original Article

Olfactory and gustatory sensitivity in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Authors: Romy Weiland, Michael Macht, Heiner Ellgring, Silke Groß-Lesch, Klaus-Peter Lesch, Paul Pauli

Published in: ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Recently, research on olfactory functions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become prominent, whereas gustation has never been investigated. Increased odor sensitivity was found in medication-naïve children with ADHD, but not in adult ADHD, which might be due to a dopaminergic dysregulation presumed to underlie this disorder. Taste sensitivity, in particular bitter sensitivity as a hereditary trait, also might be altered in ADHD. To examine olfactory and gustatory functions in adult ADHD patients, we assessed odor sensitivity by Sniffin’ Sticks, taste sensitivity by taste strips, and bitter sensitivity by the one-solution test in women with ADHD (n = 12), Bulimia Nervosa (n = 12), and healthy control women (n = 12). Bulimia Nervosa as second patient group was included to control for effects of impulsivity. Preliminary results indicate that ADHD patients were significantly more often classified as tasters, i.e. perceived the bitter taste as more intense, compared to both bulimic patients and healthy controls. No group differences were found with regard to general odor and taste sensitivity. It is proposed that the higher frequency of tasters in ADHD patients might underlie a genetic variation of the bitter receptor-dependent signaling pathway associated with ADHD.

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Title: Olfactory and gustatory sensitivity in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Romy Weiland
Michael Macht
Heiner Ellgring
Silke Groß-Lesch
Klaus-Peter Lesch
Paul Pauli
Publication date: 01-03-2011
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders / Issue 1/2011
Print ISSN: 1866-6116
Electronic ISSN: 1866-6647
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-010-0052-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Olfactory and gustatory sensitivity in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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