People with Schizophrenia and Smoking

People with Schizophrenia have a three to four times higher rate of smoking than the general population. In a British study on 100 people with Schizophrenia, they found 92% of the men and 82% of the women were smokers, and they commonly smoke high-tar, unfiltered cigarettes. This type of cigarette is used by only 1% of the total smoking population. “People with mental illnesses have 30% more heart disease and 30% more respiratory disorders” says Ann Crocker about her research. Not only do an estimated 80% of the people with this disorder smoke, but those that are depressed and with anxiety disorders also smoke in great numbers. This can be compared to the 25% of the total adult population.


So, why do these people smoke more than the average adult? Initially people with this disorder smoke for the same reasons other people smoke; social pressure, peer influence, it’s “cool.” These reasons do come into play with smoking and Schizophrenia, but there may be a more compelling reason behind their smoking addiction. Nicotine causes an increase in synaptic dopamine so they may smoke to make up for the lack of dopamine production. This dopamine production causes stimulation to different areas of the brain responsible for mood, cognition, and appetite. By smoking they are improving the production of dopamine therefore improving their mood, sharpening cognition, and decreasing appetite.


“There is substantial evidence that nicotine could be used by patients as a self-medication to improve deficits in attention, cognition, and information processing, and to reduce side effects of antipsychotic drugs,” the German researchers concluded. In addition to these things “sensory gating” is also impacted by smoking. Receptors for nicotine are involved in sensory gating, and several studies have shown sensory gating is markedly improved after smoking, therefore lowering auditory hallucinations common in schizophrenia.

Norman L Keltner, & Joan S Grant. (2006). Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 42(4), 256-61. Retrieved November 17, 2009, from Health Module. (Document ID: 1182665371).
"Why Do Schizophrenics Smoke Cigarettes? Brain Blogger." Brain Blogger Topics from Multidimensional Biopsychosocial Perspectives. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2009.