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Published on: August 6, 2013
Psychopathology and tobacco demand
Samantha G Farris1, Elizabeth R Aston2, Michael J Zvolensky3
1Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906, USA; The Miriam Hospital, Centers for Behavioral and Preventative Medicine, 164 Summit St., Providence, RI 02906, USA; Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
Smokers with psychopathology show a stronger motivation to smoke, indicated by higher demand and expenditure, especially those with emotional or substance use disorders. This highlights a potential link between mental health and persistent smoking behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral economics
- Psychiatry
- Addiction science
Background:
- Individual differences in tobacco demand are influenced by context.
- Smokers with psychopathology may exhibit heightened tobacco motivation, potentially explaining disparities in smoking and cessation rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between psychopathology and tobacco demand using the Cigarette Purchase Task (CPT).
- To assess how different types of psychopathology affect smoking motivation.
Main Methods:
- 111 adult daily smokers completed the CPT after a 60-minute deprivation period.
- Psychopathology was assessed via clinical interview, with 40.5% meeting criteria for a past-year diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Smokers with any psychopathology demonstrated significantly higher intensity (demand at $0) and Omax (peak expenditure) compared to those without.
- Specific disorders like emotional or substance use disorders were linked to increased intensity, higher Omax, and lower price elasticity.
- Having multiple disorders was associated with even higher intensity.
Conclusions:
- Psychopathology appears to be associated with greater and more persistent motivation to smoke.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms connecting psychopathology and tobacco demand.
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