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[Smoking habits in chronic schizophrenics]
K Fukui1, T Kobayashi, S Hayakawa
1Department of Psychiatry, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan.
Arukoru Kenkyu to Yakubutsu Izon = Japanese Journal of Alcohol Studies & Drug Dependence
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Smoking in chronic schizophrenia is linked to more severe negative symptoms, including attention deficits. Heavy smokers showed greater neuropsychological impairments, suggesting a potential self-medication effect.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Context:
- Investigated smoking habits in 48 chronic schizophrenic inpatients.
- Classified subjects into non-smokers, moderate smokers, and heavy smokers.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the relationship between smoking, tobacco dependence, and neuropsychological function in chronic schizophrenia.
- To assess the correlation between smoking and the severity of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Summary:
- Fagerstrom's Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) and Scales for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) revealed a significant link between nicotine intake and negative symptoms like affective blunting and attention impairment.
- Bender Gestalt Test (BGT) and Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) indicated visual-motor, attention, and memory disturbances, particularly in heavy smokers.
Impact:
- Findings suggest smoking may serve as a self-medication strategy for chronic schizophrenics to manage negative symptoms.
- Highlights the complex interplay between nicotine dependence and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.