Nicotine dependence in Croatian male inpatients with schizophrenia

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with schizophrenia have the highest known rates of cigarette smoking, but less is known about their smoking behavior and the differences across geographical regions, including Croatia.The aim of this study was to compare patterns of nicotine dependence between patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals, and to determine the relationship between clinical presentation and the severity of smoking.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 182 recently hospitalized male inpatients and 280 healthy males, who were daily smokers. All participants have fulfilled the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Patients were also evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).ResultsPatients had higher FTND total score (p = 0.010), smoked their first cigarette earlier in the morning (p = 0.000), consumed higher number of cigarettes (p = 0.000), while healthy subjects had more difficulties to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden (p = 0.000) and smoked more even when they were sick (p = 0.000). While severe dependence was more prevalent in the patient group, light dependence was more frequent in control subjects (p = 0.04). Smoking behavior was not associated with either PANSS total score or any of its subscales and items.ConclusionsSmokers with schizophrenia differ from healthy smokers in both smoking behavior and level of dependence. Longitudinal studies are needed to shed more light on the complex relationship between smoking and psychopathology in schizophrenia.

Haplotypic and Genotypic Association of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase rs4680 and rs4818 Polymorphisms and Treatment Resistance in Schizophrenia

“…This is in line with our previous data showing higher prevalence of smoking in male (64%) than in female (46%) patients with schizophrenia ( Nikolac et al, 2013 ), and agrees with the data from general population, given that the men had higher smoking prevalence than woman in European countries, including Croatia ( Gallus et al, 2014 ). Men with schizophrenia also had higher rates of nicotine dependence and different smoking habits compared to healthy men ( Nikolac et al, 2013 ; Šagud et al, 2018 ). However, the rate of smoking in our study was similar in patients with TRS and non-TRS, which is consistent with the finding from the smaller sample of 21 patients with TRS and 20 patients with non-TRS ( Mouchlianitis et al, 2016 ).…”

Maternal dietary patterns, supplements intake and autism spectrum disorders

“…[22] Those conditions have also been identified as environmental risk factors for ASD as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders. [23–25]…”

Characteristics of effective online interventions: implications for adolescents with personality disorder during a global pandemic

“…Interventions include homework, workbooks or diaries between modules in order to promote understanding, record practicing of skills, and prompt subsequent discussions with their therapist around issues they found challenging ( e.g ., Bjureberg et al , 2018 ; “Chilled Out Online,” 2020);…”

“…Therapists monitor and provide feedback on activities/ homework, answer questions, assist the client to overcome challenges, provide reminders to complete homework/activities, and motivate adherence and completion of the intervention. Many successful interventions emphasised the importance of regular (albeit brief) therapist contact ( e.g ., Bjureberg et al , 2018 ; Dear et al , 2018 ; Gladstone et al , 2015 ; Hetrick et al , 2017 ; Lindqvist et al , 2020 ; Santesteban- Echarri et al , 2017; Spence et al , 2011 );…”