Olfactory identification in young relatives at risk for schizophrenia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Olfactory identification deficits (OIDs) are seen in schizophrenia, but it is unclear whether they are state- or trait-related. METHODS: We examined the prevalence of OIDs, as assessed by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), and their correlations with prodromal symptoms in young relatives at risk for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (HR-S). RESULTS: UPSIT scores were lower in HR- S than in healthy controls, but were non-significant after covarying the effects of age, gender and IQ. OID deficits in HR-S were correlated, after covarying out the effects of age and IQ, with prodromal disorganisation. CONCLUSION: The potential value of OID deficits as markers of psychopathological vulnerability in young relatives at risk for schizophrenia deserves further investigation.