Interaction Between Early Trauma and Odor-induced Dopamine Release

Launched by HÔPITAL LE VINATIER · Feb 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking into how early trauma in a person's life may affect their brain's response to pleasant smells. The researchers want to understand how these experiences might influence the release of a chemical called dopamine, which plays a key role in how we feel pleasure and happiness. The study is designed to ensure that neither the participants nor the researchers know who receives the treatment, which helps keep the results unbiased.

To participate in this trial, individuals need to be at least 18 years old, speak and read French, and have a certain score on a questionnaire that assesses childhood trauma. It's important to note that smokers and those with certain medical conditions affecting the sense of smell or those on specific medications cannot join. Participants will need to sign a consent form and may undergo brain imaging and other assessments during the study. This research aims to shed light on how early life experiences can shape our emotional responses later in life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 18 years or older
• • Have been selected based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire score
• • Non-smoker
• • Be able to speak and read French
• • Sign a consent form before intervention.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • A pre-existing condition that affects olfaction including congenital anosmia, upper respiratory tract infection, nasal and/or sinus disease,
• • Be on medication, with the exception of oral contraceptives
• • Pregnant or breast-feeding woman (check with urine pregnancy tests);
• • Contraindications to TMS or MRI (implanted medical devices or metallic foreign body in the head);
• • Psychiatric disorders
• • Use of psychotropic drugs
• • Have participated in a study involving the injection of a radiotracer during the year