Schizophrenia and Smoking, Essay Example

Corinne, Barr and Evins talk about the prevalence, applied mechanisms and treatment implications for smoking patients with Schizophrenia. Cigarettes contain nicotine that has left many individuals in the society dependent on the drug. This adaptive behavior helps these patients reduce conventional side effects of antipsychotic medications. The article prepared by these authors elaborates existing relationship between smokers and schizophrenic patients. It is evident that there exists a relationship between schizophrenic and smoking individuals.

Some literature review and methodology provided illustrates how smoking has contributed to the large number of deaths of schizophrenics. The article supports biological mechanisms puts emphasis on neurobiological factors underlying increased prevalence of smoking, schizophrenia and treatment interventions. Clear examples of how nicotine helps individuals in all their endeavors elaborate the factors influencing schizophrenic patients to engage in smoking. It is evident that many individuals use nicotine as a means of eliminating high mortality rates due to increased numbers of patients with schizophrenia while smoking.

Existing relationship between smoking and schizophrenia enables researchers provide a clear orientation on how to reduce the percentage of nicotine dependence. Schizophrenic smoking behaviors is a complex process relating to copious interrelationships existing between biochemical, neuropharmacological and the psychopathological aspects of both schizophrenia and smoking. From the data collected, it is true to articulate the minimal chances of having biological factors affecting smoking and schizophrenia in patients. Other factors that contribute to this behavior include peer group influence, depression and anxiety (emotional and social factors). Prevalence of such behaviors, need curbing because, it affects their performance and interaction with family, friends and relatives.

Reference

Corinne, C., Barr, R & Evins, E. (2008). Smoking and Schizophrenia: Prevalence, Mechanisms And Implications for Treatment. Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses, vol. 2, Issue 1, pp. 70-78.