Is Olfaction the Key to PTSD

The goal of this project is to carry out a systematic longitudinal study with an embedded RCT examining olfactory memories in PTSD, in order to test the following hypotheses. Firstly, olfactory memories occur after all traumatic events; secondly, olfactory memories are predictors of PTSD development and thirdly, adding olfaction to PTSD treatment will enhance treatment outcome. The project comprises of a longitudinal study recruiting participants in the Emergency Room within hours of a traumatic event, assessing them at two weeks post trauma for olfactory memories, and at six months for PTSD. This will allow the first two hypotheses to be examined. Participants with PTSD and olfactory memories will be offered treatment and will be randomized to a Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy with and without added odors. Post treatment assessments will examine the third hypothesis.