Study finds depression impacts all five senses

A new study from the University of New England explores how depression affects all five senses, offering a potential shift in how the disorder is diagnosed and treated. Led by Professor Christopher Sharpley, the research team – which includes Dr. Lorenzo Odierna, Professor Vicki Bitsika, and Christopher Watson – is the first to systematically investigate sensory changes in patients with depression, suggesting that the condition extends beyond cognitive and emotional symptoms.

The findings indicate that sensory deficits may serve as measurable indicators of depressive illness, providing clinicians with additional diagnostic markers and paving the way for more targeted therapeutic approaches. By broadening the understanding of depression’s impact on perception, the study could help refine treatment plans and improve outcomes for patients experiencing sensory disturbances alongside mood symptoms.