PSY 350 Week 5, Discussion 1

Week 5, Discussion 1

SCHIZOPHRENIA AND SMOKING

 

After reading Chapter 11 and 12 in your course text and the article “Considering the Definition of Addiction” which covers the biological basis of emotion, addition (substance abuse disorder), and disordered behavior, analyze the high rate of smoking in those diagnosed with schizophrenia compared to the general population.  Why are smoking cessation interventions less successful in these individuals?  Review the accepted mechanisms of tobacco abuse and dependence and the etiologic theories of schizophrenia.  What are the biological and/or psychological mechanisms between schizophrenia and smoking?  Include information of brain structures, pathways, neurotransmitters/receptors, and psychological factors when discussing the topic areas above.  Additional emphasis should be placed on relating the underlying pathology of schizophrenia to tobacco dependence/abuse and the biological or psychological mechanism of the observed association of smoking behavior to the diagnosis of schizophrenia (

In keeping with the focus of this class, the emphasis should be placed on the role of neurotransmitter and receptor systems, neuroanatomical structures, and neurological functional pathways.