Preface

Summary

This book provides a timely and up-to-date overview of how we understand olfaction, its neurobiological basis as well as providing an evolutionary perspective. The neuropathological, neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric aspects of olfactory function and dysfunction are considered, drawing on the latest neuroimaging techniques, where appropriate. A strong focus is on schizophrenia, as this disorder represents compromise of the unique and complex interplay between aspects of the developing ‘self’ that include biology, psychology and the environment – all of which involve olfaction. The intent is to illustrate the advantages of extending our understanding of this primary sense, which in turn widens our knowledge of broader principles of neural development and processing as a foundation for understanding psychopathology. The overall aim is to elevate the often under-estimated sense of smell to a level of significance that should stimulate readers to consider olfactory models and principles of function as a guide to broader research paradigms, and should also encourage wider use of olfactory assessment in neurological, psychiatric and psychological settings during the process of diagnosis and assessment.

Chapter authors are internationally recognised experts in their respective fields who have also demonstrated their ability not only to understand and enhance our knowledge of olfaction within the perspective of a wide variety of broader clinical and research programs, but to relate their knowledge of complicated neurobiological processes in a readable and accessible manner.