6533b7dbfe1ef96bd1270007

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Schizophrenic patients who smoke have a faster finger tapping rate than non-smokers

Nili ShlomoIlan ModaiHenry SilverMichael S. RitsnerChristoph HiemkeM. L. Rao

subject

AdultMaleNicotinemedicine.medical_specialtyPatientsMovementmedicine.medical_treatmentClinical stateFingersNicotineInternal medicinemedicineHumansPharmacology (medical)Nicotinic AgonistsAntipsychoticPsychiatryBiological PsychiatryPharmacologySmokeAnalysis of VarianceSmokingMiddle Agedmedicine.diseasePsychiatry and Mental healthNeurologySchizophreniaFinger tappingPlasma concentrationSchizophreniaSmoking statusNeurology (clinical)PsychologyPsychomotor Performancemedicine.drug

description

The increased rate of smoking in schizophrenia patients remains unexplained and may reflect attempts at self-treatment. The effect sought from smoking may be related to nicotine's stimulating action. We tested this hypothesis by examining the relationship between smoking status and finger tapping rate, a measure of central processing, in schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. Smokers showed significantly faster finger tapping rates than non-smokers. This was not related to clinical state, illness chronicity, medication side-effects, antipsychotic dose or plasma concentrations. Nicotine can improve central processing in medicated schizophrenia patients and this may constitute part of the incentive for smoking.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2002-03-02European Neuropsychopharmacology
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0924-977x(01)00149-3