Study reveals that familiar scents can trigger happy memories in patients with depression: 'Break the cycle'

According to a study in JAMA Network Open, individuals with depression may find it easier to recall memories with a familiar scent than with verbal cues.

Researchers and social workers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggest that for individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), the scent of a familiar smell may aid in recalling autobiographical memories and potentially improve mental health treatment.

Depression has been linked to issues with short-term memory, according to Healthline.

According to Dr. Kymberly Young, PhD, an associate professor of psychiatry and neuroscience researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, the study's main takeaway is that individuals with depression possess specific positive memories, but they struggle to access them.

"By using odors, we can help them access these memories."

The report suggests that incorporating familiar scents in clinical settings may aid in stopping negative thought patterns and speeding up the healing process, based on the findings.

"Accessing specific memories is crucial for problem-solving and emotion regulation, and helping individuals with depression access those memories can improve their quality of life," Young stated.

According to a press release from the university, healthy individuals may experience vivid and "real" memories when exposed to scents because they activate the amygdala, which is responsible for processing memory and emotional responses.

According to Dr. Krystine Batcho, a licensed psychologist and professor at Le Moyne University, memories triggered by a familiar scent tend to be highly vivid and emotionally intense, likely due to the activation of the amygdala.

Batcho was not involved with the study.

According to Young, scents can be used to recall specific and vivid memories by anyone.

"Focus on the memory and try to relive it while sitting with an odor," Young suggested.

"To easily recall memories in daily life for problem-solving and emotion regulation, practice recalling these types of memories."

A team of researchers examined 32 individuals aged 18 to 55 with a diagnosis of MDD in a study.

The participants were given 12 scents in opaque glass jars and were asked to recall a specific memory for each of 12 different words.

The study found that each participant rated the memory as positive or negative, and also rated the level of arousal and vividness. Additionally, the individuals indicated whether they thought of the memory often or not until that particular moment.

The investigators discovered that memories triggered by scents were more precise than those evoked by words.

When using odor cues, participants tended to recall more positive memories and fewer negative ones, and they rated these memories as more arousing and vivid compared to verbal cues.

Young stated that this research demonstrates that odors can trigger memories just as effectively as words cannot.

Young believed that enhancing memory recall could improve problem-solving and emotion regulation, potentially relieving depression, even though the investigators did not assess depressive symptoms or anticipate any changes in this brief study.

"Smells are effective cues for these patients, and this is a future direction for this work," he told Planet Chronicle Digital.

The psychologist from Le Moyne University, Batcho, pointed out that fragrance is a potent trigger for recalling autobiographical memories.

"Sensory stimuli can retrieve memories, but words operate at a higher, more abstract level," she said to Planet Chronicle Digital. "Depression can trap individuals in a negative cycle of sadness by triggering sad memories."

"Reliving the best times can help break the depression cycle and begin to restore more positive thoughts and feelings."

According to the expert, certain types of memories can help alleviate depression.

Batcho stated that revisiting the happiest moments can help break the cycle of depression and bring about more positive thoughts and emotions.

"Studies have found that nostalgic memories can improve mood, reduce anxiety, alleviate loneliness, and enhance social connections. The scents associated with positive past experiences are most effective in evoking nostalgic memories."

According to the expert, specific scents are commonly linked to individuals, locations, or events that evoke happiness.

The scent of flowers in the garden where we fell in love, our mother's favorite perfume, or the aroma of holiday foods can evoke the positive feelings we once experienced, as she stated.

A professor of psychology at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, Dr. Nancy Frye, PhD, who was not involved with the study, commented on the significance of the findings.

People struggling with depression may have difficulty recalling anything other than sad recollections, as stated by the speaker to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"According to Frye, the mood-congruent memory effect suggests that we are better at recalling memories that align with our current emotional state. This means that we tend to remember happy memories more easily when we are feeling happy, and sad memories more easily when we are feeling sad."

"This study offers a hopeful path to explore in order to assist individuals suffering from depression."

The researchers plan to conduct larger studies with healthy control groups to further explore the connection between scents and memories in individuals with depression, based on their initial findings.

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