Numerous studies have found that people diagnosed with mental illnesses smoke more than people without such a diagnosis. Up to 80% of patients with schizophreia smoke cigarettes. It seems that nicotine actually treats some of their symptoms. Some have gone as far as to suggest that teen smoking may help prevent schzophrenia.

Researchers are studying a potential new drug that works on the same pathway as nicotine. The drug may improve these patients' ability to think clearly, a symptom poorly treated by existing medications. Will it also help them stop smoking?

Read more in this Reuters story.

A Nicotine-like Drug for Schizophrenia? originally appeared on About.com Mental Health Resources on Friday, July 14th, 2006 at 06:13:46.

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