Pretreatment and Posttreatment Prospective Evaluation of Smell and Taste Dysfunction in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Bilici T., ÖZDEMİR S., Çelik G. G.

Ear, Nose and Throat Journal, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/01455613251320456
  • Journal Name: Ear, Nose and Throat Journal
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, child, smell, taste
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated whether attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has an olfactory dysfunction and, if so, the effect of methylphenidate on this condition. Methods: The “Sniffin” Sticks Test and a questionnaire were applied to 50 children with ADHD and 50 healthy children as the control group before and after being treated with methylphenidate. Results: There was a statistical difference between ADHD and control groups in odor sensitivity, odor discrimination skills, and odor identification tests (P <.001). General odor scores decreased in the ADHD group (P <.001). A statistically significant score increase was also observed after treatment (P <.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the taste questionnaire test. Conclusions: Although the sense of smell test in our study suggests that it may be a biological marker for diagnosing ADHD, treatment efficacy, and follow-up, further studies need to be conducted in more extensive series and with similar equipment.