Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine - Department of Periodontology

Introduction: Gustatory dysfunction is a quite common neglected symptom among the depressed patients and those under antidepressants therapy. Aim of the study: was to assess gustatory thresholds and suprathreshold taste intensity and to identify possible gustatory dysfunction modulators among a sample of depressed Egyptian adults under anti-depressants therapy seeking the Psychiatric clinic at the faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Subjects and methods: 30 depressed patients under antidepressants therapy for at least 3 months or psychotherapy with age ranging from 20 to 50 years old, were distributed into three equal groups (TCA, SSRIs and Psychotherapy groups) and were assessed for gustatory thresholds using filter paper disc method through a scoring system and supra-threshold taste intensity using a psychophysical method on a 9point vertical labeled scale. A questionnaire was used to identify gustatory dysfunction modulators. Results: TCA group was statistically significant from the other 2 groups in Sweet Detection thresholds(p=0.043) and Sweet Recognition thresholds (p=0.007). SSRIs group was statistically significant from psychotherapy group for bitter suprathreshold (p=0.028). Salt Suprathreshold (p=0.027); was higher in TCA group (strong 50%) than other 2 groups (strong 20% in SSRI group and none in psychotherapy group). 100% in TCA and SSRIs groups presented with gustatory symptoms and only 50% in psychotherapy group. This was statistically significant (p=0.002)

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