Smoking, smoking withdrawal and schizophrenia: Case reports and a review of the literature

Author(s): MeadorWoodruff, J. H.

Journal/Book: Schizophr Res. 1996; 22: PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Elsevier Science BV. 133-141.

Abstract: Our efforts to study and understand the complex clinical, behavioral, neurochemical and neuroanatomical manifestations of the schizophrenias are plagued by the heterogeneity of findings, and lack of ability to define subtypes within the syndrome. Theoretically, a behavior associated with schizophrenia among a majority of those affected might provide more broadly applicable information about the illness. Cigarette smoking represents such a behavior. Herein we present an overview of evidence linking cigarette smoking and schizophrenia, and describe three cases suggesting that nicotine withdrawal leads to an exacerbation of schizophrenic symptoms.

Note: Review Dalack GW, Univ Michigan, Dept Psychiat, Ann Arbor,MI 48109 USA

Keyword(s): smoking; schizophrenia; nicotine; dopamine; glutamate; FREELY MOVING RATS; CIGARETTE-SMOKING; PREFRONTAL CORTEX; INDUCED PARKINSONISM; NICOTINE DEPENDENCE; COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS; DOPAMINE; HALOPERIDOL; SYSTEM; DYSFUNCTION

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