Smoking and Schizophrenia: Is Symptom Profile Related to Smoking and which Antipsychotic Medication is of Benefit in Reducing Cigarette use?

Abstract

Smoking is not associated with positive, negative cognitive and mood symptoms in schizophrenia. Smoking is associated with lower levels of antipsychotic induced akathisia. Clinicians should not be discouraged from helping patients stop smoking for fear of worsening symptoms. However, akathisia may emerge upon cessation of smoking. Switching patients from typical to atypical antipsychotics may assist patients with schizophrenia to give up smoking.