What the Nose Knows:

This is the first study to examine the predictive utility of olfactory hedonic measurement for targeted psychosocial rehabilitation in schizophrenia. Specifically, our primary aim is to determine if hedonic (pleasantness) ratings of different smells predict how much people with schizophrenia-spectrum conditions benefit from the two evidence-based psychosocial interventions—Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) and a form of Social Skills Training (SST) called Helping Ourselves Perceive and Experience Success (HOPES)—that they receive through their participation in Project SUCCESS. The information gathered from the project is of considerable public health relevance, in that, through simple, reliable smell assessment, it will provide knowledge about which individuals are most likely to benefit from these psychosocial interventions. Secondarily, we are also investigating the relationship between the hedonic smell ratings, the ability to experience pleasure from various activities, and clinical symptoms. Finally, we seek to analyze how medication type, clozapine or other antipsychotic medications, may interact with hedonic smell ratings to influence CET and SST outcomes. Findings from this project will help in tailoring existing treatments and developing new approaches to improve outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum conditions.