Evaluation of the Relationship between Depression and the Volume of Olfactory Regions by Parcellation Method
Abstract
Scientific studies in the literature have demonstrated olfactory loss and reduced olfactory bulb volume in individuals with major depressive disorder. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between major depressive disorder and olfactory region volume. In the study, Magnetic Resonance İmaging (MRI) images of 33 patients with major depressive disorder and 33 healthy controls from Balıkesir University Hospital's Mental Health Clinic were retrospectively analyzed. In the obtained MRI series, the volumes of the amygdala, fusiform gyrus, anterior commissure, olfactory radiation, and entorhinal area, which are involved in olfaction, were measured using a parcellation method. All data were transferred to SPSS and analyzed quantitatively. The statistical analysis of the variables examined in the study revealed that the right and left amygdalae tend to be smaller in individuals with illness. It was determined that there was a positive correlation among the parameters evaluated in the study: left amygdala, left entorhinal area, right and left fusiform gyrus volumes, and the Hamilton Depression Scale. As a result of the research, it was revealed in the direction of morphometric analysis that there is a negative relationship between major depressive disorder and olfactory regions. The data obtained in light of these findings will contribute to understanding the cause-and-effect relationship between depression and loss of smell; for clinicians, it is expected to serve as a guide in diagnosis and treatment.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Psychiatry
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Merve Yurt
*
0009-0005-8177-4474
Türkiye
Merve Şahin Can
0000-0002-4985-5689
Türkiye
Emrah Özcan
0000-0002-6373-4744
Türkiye
Aslıhan Çetinel
0009-0002-2767-9175
Türkiye
Esma Gül
0000-0001-6234-937X
Türkiye
Ömür Karaca
0000-0002-8218-8881
Türkiye
İlter Kuş
0000-0002-3194-267X
Türkiye
Publication Date
September 9, 2026
Submission Date
July 29, 2025
Acceptance Date
December 3, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 3