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Olfactory function in monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia
L C Kopala1, K P Good, E F Torrey
1Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S., Canada. lkopala@is.dal.ca
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|January 20, 1998
Summary
Schizophrenia may involve olfactory identification deficits, potentially linked to genetics. This study found no difference in smell identification between affected and unaffected twins, suggesting genetic factors influence cerebral dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Olfactory identification abnormalities are potential markers for cerebral dysfunction in schizophrenia.
- The role of genetic factors in olfactory dysfunction requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of genetic factors in olfactory dysfunction in schizophrenia.
- To assess olfactory identification abilities in monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Studied 12 pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia.
- Included 12 matched healthy comparison subjects.
- Administered the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test.
Main Results:
- The combined twin group exhibited significantly lower smell identification scores compared to the control group.
- No significant difference in smell identification was found between affected and unaffected twins within discordant pairs.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors may contribute to cerebral dysfunction, as indicated by olfactory identification abilities.
- Olfactory deficits in schizophrenia may be influenced by genetic predispositions.