About this Research Topic
Sensorial and perceptual dysfunctions are characterized by impairments not only in peripheral stimuli detection but also in central stimuli processing. These dysfunctions, which involve an altered interaction with the external environment, may have a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life. Previous studies have shown associations between sensorial and perceptual dysfunctions and depression or depression-like conditions, such as mood disorders. Therefore, it is clear that intact sensorial and perceptual functioning are critical factors for health and wellbeing. Multisensory and perceptual deficits are very common in older adults and can be associated with alterations in mood and motivation that can lead to the onset of severe psychopathological conditions such as depression. Despite the detrimental consequences, the etiology of sensorial and perceptual dysfunctions has received little research attention, and therefore little is known regarding the link between these deficits and psychopathology.
According to the DSM-V, depression is a complex multifactorial psychiatric disorder characterized by genetic, biological, psychological, and social determinants. This Research Topic focuses on the description of the neurobiological basis of sensory and perceptual deficits and aims to examine how these processes may be important for the onset of depression and mood disorders. In particular, we emphasize potential links between chemosensory deficits and the onset of depression since chemosensory disorders may decrease neuronal inputs to limbic circuits which are directly involved in emotional and motivational processes.
The aim of this Research Topic is to provide the current findings on sensorial and/or perceptual determinants of the onset and maintenance of depression and depression-like conditions and on the underlying neurobiological underpinnings. We welcome original research papers, commentaries, and up-to-date reviews (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses) ranging from preclinical research to human studies aimed at understanding the neurobiological bases linking sensorial and perceptual deficits with mood disorders. The ultimate goal is to identify potential prevention factors as well as new therapeutic approaches for treating these psychopathological conditions.
According to the DSM-V, depression is a complex multifactorial psychiatric disorder characterized by genetic, biological, psychological, and social determinants. This Research Topic focuses on the description of the neurobiological basis of sensory and perceptual deficits and aims to examine how these processes may be important for the onset of depression and mood disorders. In particular, we emphasize potential links between chemosensory deficits and the onset of depression since chemosensory disorders may decrease neuronal inputs to limbic circuits which are directly involved in emotional and motivational processes.
The aim of this Research Topic is to provide the current findings on sensorial and/or perceptual determinants of the onset and maintenance of depression and depression-like conditions and on the underlying neurobiological underpinnings. We welcome original research papers, commentaries, and up-to-date reviews (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses) ranging from preclinical research to human studies aimed at understanding the neurobiological bases linking sensorial and perceptual deficits with mood disorders. The ultimate goal is to identify potential prevention factors as well as new therapeutic approaches for treating these psychopathological conditions.
Keywords: Depression, olfaction, gustation, vision, somatosensory, earing, proprioception
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