Nicotine Therapy for Schizophrenia?

Individuals who suffer from schizophrenia may be more inclined to smoke cigarettes because the nicotine reduces negative symptom severity, researchers report.

Negative symptoms are defined as a decline or absence in the traits needed for normal functioning. These include loss of interest in everyday activities, lack of emotion, social withdrawal, reduced ability to plan or carry out activities, neglect of personal hygiene, and loss of motivation.

“Although smoking has a wide range of well-established ill effects on human health, these findings do raise the possibility of exploring nicotinic pathways for novel treatments of schizophrenia,” said the researchers.

http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/09/08/nicotine-therapy-for-schizophrenia/59285.html

Reposted by:

Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D., LLC.

drcharlesdavenport.com