Effect of nicotine dependence on psychopathology of schizophrenia

<p>Background: Nicotine use is a major public health problem that increases medical morbidity and mortality. Compared to the general healthy population, the prevalence of smoking is found to be much higher among people with psychotic disorders. In Given its effect on modulating dopamine and glutamate, nicotine may have an impact on the negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia. In fact, schizophrenia patients may use nicotine to self-medicate negative symptoms. Schizophrenia is associated with poor attention to and processing of sensory stimulation. Nicotine transiently improves sensory gating in schizophrenia.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>