‘Taste sensitivity is altered by changing levels of so-called neurotransmitters that are thought to be involved in depression, British investigators report.

In a press release from the University of Bristol, Dr. Lucy F. Donaldson said, “we hope that using a taste test in depressed people will tell us which neurotransmitter is affected in their illness,” and thus assist in treatment decisions.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that generate nerve signals in the brain. Serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline are three that are believed to affect mood states. Some reports have linked changes in taste sensitivities with severe depression and anxiety.

Donaldson and her associates explored taste changes among 20 healthy adults, before and after they were given the antidepressant Paxil, which raises the amount of serotonin available, and Edronax, which does the same for noradrenaline.’

Read more at Taste perceptions may aid depression treatment

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