Rediff

Tel Aviv, Jan 5: Women who wear too much perfume may be suffering from depression.

A new research shows that women suffering from depression tend to lose their sense of smell, thus wearing too much perfume.

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have discovered a link between depression and the loss of a sense of smell. They showed those who are depressed lose sensitivity in their olfactory glands at the same time and thus unwittingly splash too much scent about.

''Our scientific findings suggest that women who are depressed are also losing their sense of smell, and may overcompensate by using more perfume,'' the study leader, Professor Yehuda Shoenfeld said.

''We also believe that depression has biological roots and may be an immune system response to certain physiological cues,'' he added.

The research could lead to the development of a ''smell test'' to help diagnose depression. Researchers found that in cases of various ulcerous skin diseases , a particle known as an 'autoantibody' attacked the immune system, making the patient feel low, and affecting their sense of smell as well.

It is the first time that depression has been linked to smell in ulcerous skin diseases patients. The report published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism also suggests that aromatherapy could be a powerful weapon against depression, and actually helps patients regain their sense of smell.

''People who are depressed seem to respond well to aromatherapy.

Certain smells seem to help them overcome the effects of the biological factors,'' Professor Shoenfeld added.