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Posttraumatic stress disorder and smoking relapse: A theoretical model
Jessica W Cook1, Miles M McFall, Patrick S Calhoun
1Puget Sound Heath Care System-Seattle Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, and Veterans Affairs VISN-20 Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Seattle, WA, USA. jessica.cook@med.va.gov
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|December 25, 2007
Summary
Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) smoke heavily and struggle to quit. This study explores psychological factors like negative affect and self-efficacy that may impede smoking cessation in PTSD patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to high rates of smoking and low cessation success.
- Understanding the specific barriers to quitting for individuals with PTSD is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and review psychological mechanisms that may influence smoking relapse in individuals diagnosed with PTSD.
- To address the current gap in knowledge regarding factors hindering smoking cessation in this population.
Main Methods:
- This theoretical study systematically reviews existing literature on psychological factors relevant to smoking relapse.
- Key mechanisms such as negative affect, positive affect, attention, anxiety sensitivity, distress tolerance, and self-efficacy are examined in the context of PTSD and smoking.
Main Results:
- Several psychological factors, including negative and positive affect, attention, anxiety sensitivity, distress tolerance, and self-efficacy, are proposed as significant influences on smoking relapse in individuals with PTSD.
- These mechanisms represent potential targets for smoking cessation interventions.
Conclusions:
- Identifying and understanding these psychological mechanisms is a critical first step toward improving smoking cessation treatments for individuals with PTSD.
- Further research and methodological advancements are needed to examine the proposed relapse model and inform clinical practice.
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