Servere Mental Illness & Smoking?

Question

Review the costs and beneifits of the lattest smoking cessation methods. Are these feasible/effective for serverely mentally ill clients? Defend your opinions.

Answer 1

Nicotine increases alertness. This may enhance concentration, thinking and learning. This may be a benefit to people with schizophrenia whose illness or medication leads to cognitive problems. PLUS vArious weight issues

* Nicotine can help relaxation, and it can also reduce negative feelings such as anxiety, tension and anger. So smoking may help people with mental illness deal with stressful situations.

* Nicotine might have an antidepressant effect. Nicotine stimulates dopamine production in part of the brain and so may help negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as lack of motivation, lack of energy and flat mood.

* Nicotine may reduce positive symptoms, such as hallucinations for a short period.

* There is some evidence to suggest that smoking is associated with reduced levels of antipsychotic induced Parkinsonism.

* Smoking can help to relieve boredom and provide a framework for the day.

* Smoking can improve social interaction, something that may be of particular benefit to people with negative symptoms.

Why Should Someone With Mental Illness Quit Smoking?

There are many reasons why any individual might want to quit smoking. On top of the usual reasons there are some that may be particularly important to people with mental illness. Negative effects of smoking for people with mental illness, include the following:

* Premature death rates are higher for people with mental illness than for the general population, even after suicides are discounted. Many of these deaths are due to cardiovascular and respiratory problems and smoking is thought to contribute towards this.

* Substances found in tar in cigarettes stimulate enzymes in the liver, which increase the metabolism of some antipsychotics, including clozapine, fluphenazine, haloperidol and olanzapine. This results in higher doses being needed.

* There is some evidence to suggest that smoking may increase some side effects of antipsychotic medication, including akathesia (restlessness) and tardive dyskinesia (slower involuntary movements).

* Smoking puts a heavy financial burden on the smoker, who, as a person with severe mental illness, is likely to be on a low income.

* Heavy smokers may find it difficult to participate in some activities where smoking is not allowed. This adds to social exclusion experienced.

Smoking and Medication

Smoking can have an effect on medication. Substances found in tar in cigarettes stimulate enzymes in the liver, which changes the way the body processes some antipsychotics, including clozapine, fluphenazine, haloperidol and olanzapine. This results in higher doses being needed. It is important to review medication regularly to ensure you are getting the best dose for you.

Smoking can also have an impact on the side effects of medication. There is some evidence to suggest that smoking may increase some side effects of antipsychotic medication, including akathesia (restlessness) and tardive dyskinesia (slower involuntary movements). So by not smoking you may find you have less severe side effects. However, smoking can help some other side effects such as parkinsonism. It all sounds crazy but it really is true

Answer 2

Cigarette smoking rates are much higher among people with schizophrenia than in the general population. It's not clear why but many believe it may help relieve some of the symptoms. Many of them may have no desire to quit. Of course, in the long run, the cost of any smoking cessation method is going to be cheaper than continuing to smoke.

Answer 3

That category cannot be condoned or defended, as the mentally impaired have issues that a "so called" normal person does not have to contend with. The lead was good, but the question is indefensible.

Answer 4

I'm sure there may be connections to the two, but I wouldn't know for sure. While I was diagnosed as having a mental illness, I'm a non-smoker.

Answer 5

Where do we find the data to review? You have not provided any sources or links. Or are you just trying to get someone to do your homework for you?

Answer 6

Review what costs ...and why pick on the metally ill for this question. If its homework you should take your school to task for such sterotypical and damaging assignments...;

Answer 7

There is no link. That's bull to brainwash unsuspecting minds to the way of thinking that they would prefer you to have.