Self-esteem as an important factor in quality of life and depressive symptoms in anosmia: A pilot study

Abstract

Objectives

Previous research has reported a negative impact of olfactory dysfunction on quality of life and depressive symptoms. As self-esteem was identified as a contributing factor to depression, the present study aimed to investigate quality of life (QoL), depressive symptoms, and self-esteem in patients with smell loss.

Design

Prospective controlled study.

Setting

Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, in cooperation with the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

Participants

Twenty-two anosmic patients (12 female, 10 male) and 25 healthy controls (15 female, 10 male) participated in this study.

Main outcome measures

Olfactory performance was assessed using the Sniffin' Sticks battery. In addition, psychological questionnaires that covered the topics quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), depressive symptoms (BDI-II), and self-esteem (MSWS) were conducted.

Results

The results of this study revealed a decrease in quality of life and reduced body-related self-esteem in anosmic patients. Furthermore, quality of life and self-esteem were correlated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

As self-esteem, quality of life, and depressive symptoms in anosmia interact with each other, we suggest that self-esteem should be considered in the medical history, in order to provide a personalized intervention, adapted to the patient's needs.

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