Smoking and Schizophrenia – Neurobiology of Nicotine Dependence | Smoking Cessation Treatments

Posted on:September 30, 2022
Last Updated: November 23, 2022
Time to read: 16–19 minutes

The interaction between smoking and schizophrenia is complex and multifaceted, with patients consistently showing higher rates of tobacco smoking and heavy nicotine dependence. It has been suggested that nicotine may alleviate cortical dysfunction and improve cognitive performance (i.e., the self-medication hypothesis). [Dickerson et al. 2013]

However, it must be noted that there is little to no evidence that nicotine has any favourable effect on the symptoms of schizophrenia themselves. In contrast, the evidence for tobacco smoking’s detrimental impact on overall health and wellbeing is, of course, substantial, consistent, and well-documented. [Manzella et al 2015]

References

The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. E-cigarettes and vaporisers. Position statement 97 2018

The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. E-cigarettes and vaporisers. Position statement 97 2018. Available at: https://www.ranzcp.org/News-policy/Policy-submissions-reports/Document-library/E-cigarettes-and-vaporisers. [Accessed Sept 30, 2022]

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