Effects of cigarette smoking on psychopathologic symptoms in male patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective To compare the differences of psychopathologic symptoms between smokers and non-smokers in chronic and first-episode,drug-nalve schizophrenics.then it was attempted to explain the reasons why there is higher rate of smoking behavior in schizophrenia.Methods In all.427 male chronic schizophrenic patients(332 smokers and 95 non-smokers)and 63 male first-episode drug-naive patients with schizophrenia(22 smokers and 41 non-smokers)were collected.All patients were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS).Results In chronic patients.the item scores of poor rapport and passive/apathetic social withdrawal of PANSS negative subscale were significantly lower in smokers than non-smokers(3.9 ±1.5 vs.4.4±1.7;3.6±1.6 vs.4.0±1.7.respectively,P＜0.05),and so was the total scores of PANSS negative subscale(24.0±8.2 vs.26.3±9.5).In first-episode.drug-ndive patients.the itern scores of emotional withdrawal and passive/apathetic social withdrawal of PANSS negative subscale were significant lower in smokers than non-smokers(2.7±1.3 vs.3.5±1.3:2.7±1.3 vs.3.5±1.4,respectively,P＜0.05).Conclusion It is suggested there are positive effects of cigarette smoking on the psychopathological symptoms of patients with schizophrenia,which misht be one of the mechanisms for higher rates of smoking behavior in schizophrenia. Key words: Schizophrenia; Smoking; Pathological conditions,signs and symptoms