Paradoxical olfactory function in combat veterans: The role of PTSD and odor factors

Abstract

Stress- and trauma-related disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are characterized by an increased sensitivity to threat cues. Given that threat detection is a critical function of olfaction and that combat trauma is commonly associated with burning odors, we sought a better understanding of general olfactory function as well as response to specific trauma-related (i.e. burning) odors in combat-related PTSD. Trauma-exposed combat veterans with (N = 22) and without (N = 25) PTSD were assessed for general and specific odor sensitivities using a variety of tools. Both groups had similar general odor detection thresholds. However, the combat veterans with PTSD, compared to combat veterans with comparable trauma exposure, but without PTSD, had increased ratings of odor intensity, negative valence, and odor-triggered PTSD symptoms, along with a blunted heart rate in response to burning rubber odor. These findings are discussed within the context of healthy versus pathological changes in olfactory processing that occur over time after psychological trauma.

Keywords: Olfaction; PTSD; Psychophysiology; combat veterans; odor threat.

Figure 1.

A significant Diagnosis X Odor interaction for odor-elicited HR was revealed [F (3,135) = 2.77, p<.05]. Combat veterans with PTSD (CV+PTSD, n=22) had reduced BR odor-elicited HR compared to healthy veterans (CV-PTSD, n=25) and the other odors. HR measurement in beats per minute (BPM). * = p<.05 for planned comparison.