Exploring how smell affects treatment outcomes in schizophrenia

What the Nose Knows: Hedonic Capacity, Psychosocial Interventions and Outcomes in Schizophrenia

Not applicable Interventional Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NCT05282186

This study tests whether how people with schizophrenia react to different smells can help predict which treatments, like therapy and social skills training, will work best for them.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment116 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05282186 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates the role of olfactory hedonic measurement in predicting the effectiveness of psychosocial rehabilitation for individuals with schizophrenia. By assessing how individuals respond to smells, the study aims to identify those who are most likely to benefit from interventions such as Cognitive Enhancement Therapy and Social Skills Training. The findings could lead to more personalized treatment approaches, enhancing the overall effectiveness of existing therapies for schizophrenia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 65 with a DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia or related disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with current organic brain syndromes, severe substance use disorders, or intellectual disabilities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve treatment outcomes for patients with schizophrenia by tailoring interventions based on olfactory responses.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using olfactory hedonic measurement in this context is novel, similar psychosocial interventions have shown promise in improving outcomes for schizophrenia.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. age 18 to 65;
2. DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective or schizophreniform disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

1. the presence of a current organic brain syndrome;
2. a current and severe substance use disorder (DSM-5);
3. intellectual disability (DSM-5)

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Schizophreniaolfactionreward
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.