Blinking, alpha brain waves and smoking in schizophrenia

Blink rates (BR) and alpha brain waves were studied in 13 schizophrenic and 13 healthy smokers under conditions of smoking deprivation as well as smoking saturation and under different task conditions of smooth pursuit eye movements. Task conditions significantly changed BR and alpha power; smoking enhanced BR and alpha frequency, the latter effect being especially pronounced in schizophrenics for F3-F4 leadings. Concerning BR, groups differed significantly as long as smoking quantity was not statistically controlled. BR, alpha power and smoking quantity were consistently correlated above chance levels. Results are discussed with respect to the blink alpha neurocircuit model.