Effects of smoking ban in a general hospital psychiatric unit
C Iglesias1, G Lopez, M J Alonso
1Psychiatry Department, Hospital Valle del Nalón, Langreo, Asturias, Spain. icelso@yahoo.es
Introduction:
Many psychiatric facilities allow patients to smoke cigarettes even though this habit is especially harmful for mental patients.
Methods:
We studied the untoward effects produced by the smoking ban in 40 consecutive inpatients admitted to a psychiatric ward of a general hospital.
Results:
A total of 52.2 % out of 40 patients were smokers; the mean Fagerstrom score was 5.9. The most frequent diagnostic groups were: schizophrenia and delusional disorders; mood disorders; and personality disorders. There were only two untoward effects related with the smoking ban during the study period.
Conclusions:
This study shows that the smoking ban can be successfully implemented in a general hospital psychiatric unit without causing unfavorable effects.
Related Concept Videos
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
