Sniffing out memories: smell therapy shows promise for anorexia
NCT ID NCT02297165
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a program of smelling different odors could help 100 hospitalized anorexia patients recall specific positive memories from their past. Over 8 sessions, participants smelled two scents each time and were encouraged to talk about memories and feelings linked to those smells. The goal was to see if this approach could improve access to autobiographical memories, which are often impaired in anorexia.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- olfactory stimulation program
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new way to help people with anorexia reconnect with positive memories, potentially aiding emotional recovery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with no control group, so results may not be conclusive. The benefit may be limited to memory recall and not directly improve eating behaviors.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Groupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille
Lille, France