Mania associated olfactory dysfunction: A comparison between bipolar subjects in mania and remission

The aim of this study was to assess the olfactory functions of patients with bipolar disorder in manic phase and to compare them to those of bipolar subjects in remission and healthy controls. We recruited 96 participants divided in 3 groups: bipolar mania (MB), euthymic bipolar in remission (EB) and healthy controls (HC). All participants underwent an assessment of their olfactory functions using the Sniffin’ sticks threshold and identification tests. Odors' pleasantness, intensity, familiarity and emotion were assessed. All participants were screened for the presence of psychiatric disorder through the MINI questionnaire. Clinical evaluation explored dimensions of mania, depression, anxiety respectively through YMRS, MADRS and STAI scales. Anhedonia was explored through the Chapman physical and social anhedonia questionnaire. Patients in mania had deficits in identifying positive smells compared to bipolar subjects in remission and to healthy controls (MB