Olfactory identification ability is associated to emotional states and expression in individuals with schizotypy

Previous studies have provided compelling support for the olfactory dysfunction and emotion deficits in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The present research aimed to study whether olfactory function is associated with emotional states and emotional expression in individuals with schizotypy. Thirty individuals with schizotypy and 30 controls were recruited for this study. The Sniffin' sticks test was used to evaluate olfactory function. The Emotional Expressivity Scale (EES) was used to assess the expression of emotion. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to assess depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Compared with the controls, individuals in schizotypal group had weaker emotional expression and more severe emotional states (including depression and anxiety). The results showed that odor identification scores were positively correlated with emotional expression scores and negatively correlated with depression, state anxiety, and trait anxiety in the schizotypal group. Emotional expression was inversely related to the olfactory threshold in the controls, but not in the schizotypal group. Odor identification showed a positive correlation with emotional expression and negative correlations with emotional states in individuals with schizotypy, which may provide new insight for the exploration of the sensory perception impairments and emotional deficits in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.