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Meta-Analysis
. 2014 Jan;40(1):50-9.
doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbt049. Epub 2013 May 2.

Meta-analysis of olfactory function in schizophrenia, first-degree family members, and youths at-risk for psychosis

Paul J Moberg  1 , Vidyulata Kamath, Dana M Marchetto, Monica E Calkins, Richard L Doty, Chang-Gyu Hahn, Karin E Borgmann-Winter, Christian G Kohler, Raquel E Gur, Bruce I Turetsky
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Meta-analysis of olfactory function in schizophrenia, first-degree family members, and youths at-risk for psychosis

Paul J Moberg et al. Schizophr Bull. 2014 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Previous research has provided compelling support for olfactory dysfunction in schizophrenia patients, their first-degree relatives, and youth at-risk for psychosis. A previous meta-analysis revealed large effect sizes across olfactory tasks but was limited to 2 olfactory tasks and did not examine moderator variables. Thus, the current meta-analysis was undertaken to incorporate additional studies, risk cohorts, olfactory test domains, and moderator variable analyses.

Method: A meta-analysis was conducted on 67 publications examining olfactory function in schizophrenia patients and 15 publications examining olfactory functioning in youth at-risk for psychosis, first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients, and individuals with schizotypy.

Results: Results revealed medium-to-large olfactory deficits in schizophrenia patients though significant heterogeneity was evident. Several variables moderated overall study effects. At-risk youths similarly demonstrated medium-to-large effect sizes, whereas first-degree relatives and individuals with schizotypy showed small effects.

Conclusions: Findings suggest robust olfactory deficits in schizophrenia and at-risk youths. In schizophrenia, several variables had significant impact on these deficits and warrant consideration in prospective studies. Our findings also indicate that olfactory measures may be a useful marker of schizophrenia risk status.

Keywords: olfaction; psychosis; schizophrenia prodrome; schizotypy; smell.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Differences in study effect sizes across schizophrenia and related subgroups.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Study effect sizes across olfactory task types in schizophrenia patients.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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