Sniffing out clues: smell tests may reveal brain secrets in bipolar disorder
NCT ID NCT06809881
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This completed study compared smell abilities and brain scans between 240 people with bipolar disorder and healthy volunteers. Researchers tested odor threshold, discrimination, and identification to see if smell performance differs and relates to brain structure. The goal is to better understand the condition, not to test a treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could reveal how smell relates to brain changes in bipolar disorder, pointing toward new ways to monitor the condition.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. Results may not lead to direct clinical benefits or apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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240 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2016
- Finished
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Jan 2020
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with BD and HC * Fluent in french * Having a public health insurance * Not being on tutorship Exclusion Criteria: * Family history of bipolar disorder for controls * Alcohol dependence
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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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Inserm U 955 Eq 15
Créteil, VAL DE MARNE, 94000, France
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