Cigarette smoking and schizophrenia
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Date
28/06/2007Author
Patrick, Jon Alan
Metadata
Abstract
Section 1 Introduction
Cigarette smoking is anecdotally seen more often amongst schizophrenic than
well subjects. Research has suggested a variety of explanations which are
discussed; the role of genetics, psychosocial explanations and smoking as selfmedication.
The financial, physical health and treatment options of and for
nicotine dependence are also examined with reference to schizophrenia.
Section 2 Systematic Review of Cigarette Smoking and Schizophrenia
50 studies were identified with a mean prevalence rate of smoking in
schizophrenic populations of 66%. Male schizophrenics had a significantly
higher (p=0.04) rate of smoking and smoked more heavily (p=0.01) than
females. Different settings were also examined.
Section 3 Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies examining the
Prevalence of Smoking in Schizophrenia
11 studies were identified that could be examined in a meta-analysis comparing
prevalence rates of smoking. Schizophrenic patients were found to be nearly 3
times more likely to smoke than controls.
Section 4 Investigation into Patterns of Cigarette Smoking in
Schizophrenia Using Data from the Edinburgh High-Risk
Study (EHRS)
At first interview there was a tendency (p=0.18) for high-risk group members
with psychotic symptoms to have ever smoked compared to other high-risk and
control subjects. Schizophrenic controls had a significantly higher prevalence of
ever smoking compared to the high-risk and control groups (p=0.01). At the fourth interview there was a trend for high-risk subjects showed a nonsignificant
difference in the rates of ever smoking compared with the controls
(p=0.16). Those subjects who developed schizophrenia showed a clear trend
(p=0.07) towards ever smoking
Sections 5/6 Synthesis and Discussion of Results/Conclusion
Explanations for the findings are presented. Although schizophrenia and
cigarette smoking are inextricably linked, further studies are necessary if we are
to more fully understand the nature of this association.