Sniff your way to a better mood? study tests smell training for depression
NCT ID NCT03605524
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether daily smell training over 12 weeks can improve mood and smell perception in 150 people with mild depressive symptoms or major depression. Participants practiced smelling different odors each day. Researchers measured changes in smell ability and emotional responses. The goal was to see if this simple, non-drug approach could help ease depression.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
sensory training (olfactory or visual)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to ease depressive symptoms by retraining the sense of smell.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study with no placebo control, so results may not be conclusive. The effect on major depression is unknown.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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UMR 1253 IBrain, University, Tours
Tours, 37032, France
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University Psychiatric Clinic, University hospital,Tours
Tours, 37044, France
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University health service, University ,Tours
Tours, 37000, France