Sniff your way to a better mood? study tests smell training for depression

NCT ID NCT03605524

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University Hospital, Tours Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anosmia Depression major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, MAJOR DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

UMR 1253 IBrain, University, Tours

Tours, 37032, France
University Psychiatric Clinic, University hospital,Tours

Tours, 37044, France
University health service, University ,Tours

Tours, 37000, France

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