Pittsburgh, PA – A new study conducted by neuroscientists from the University of Pittsburgh suggests that familiar smells could potentially improve the mood of individuals suffering from major depression. The research found that patients who were exposed to 12 recognizable scents showed better access to positive memories, which effectively interrupted negative thought patterns associated with the mental illness.
The study enrolled 32 people aged 18-55 with major depression, who were exposed to airtight jars containing scents such as coconut oil, cumin powder, clove bulbs, red wine, and more. Participants were asked to recall specific memories sparked by each scent, and the results showed that smell-triggered memories tended to be more emotionally arousing, vivid, and took longer to recall than word-triggered memories.
Dr. Kymberly Young, a neuroscientist and co-author of the study, pointed out that improving memory could lead to improvement in problem solving, emotion regulation, and other functional problems that depressed individuals often experience. The study’s findings were published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
The researchers also noted that the olfactory bulb, responsible for processing smells, directly connects to key brain regions associated with memory and emotion, such as the amygdala and hippocampus. This direct connection could explain why smells have a profound impact on our memories and emotions, unlike other senses.
Therapists have started incorporating scent into treatments for depression, such as aromatherapy as part of cognitive behavioral therapy practice, which aims to retrain negative thought patterns in depressed individuals. Additionally, reminiscence therapy, which involves recalling and sharing past experiences facilitated by sensory stimuli like smells, photos, or music, has also shown promise in improving mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
Overall, the study’s findings provide insight into the potential of using familiar scents to trigger positive memories and improve the mental well-being of individuals struggling with depression.