Survival, Not Addiction: The Tragic Bond Between Schizophrenia and Smoking

Описание: Why do nearly 70% of people with schizophrenia smoke? This is two to three times higher than the general population. While society often dismisses this as a bad habit or lack of impulse control, neuroscience reveals a much deeper, more tragic reality.

In this video, we explore the "Self-Medication Hypothesis," suggesting that for these patients, smoking isn't about chasing a high—it's an unconscious biological drive to feel normal.

🔍 Key Topics Covered:
The Staggering Statistic: Unpacking why the 70% smoking rate is a consistent biological pattern, not a statistical quirk.
Hypofrontality & The Broken Filter: How schizophrenia impairs the prefrontal cortex ("Hypofrontality") and Sensory Gating, causing the brain to be overwhelmed by noise.
The Nicotine Key: How nicotine acts as a "chemical key" to unlock focus and temporarily repair the brain's broken filter.
The Brain's Paradox: The contradiction where smoking destroys gray matter yet simultaneously improves functional connectivity between brain networks.
The Molecular Root: The role of the Alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) and genetic defects on chromosome 15.
The Ethical Dilemma: The heartbreaking choice between "risking lung cancer for mental clarity."

This research shifts our perspective from judgment to empathy. It highlights the urgent need for new treatments that can provide the same relief as nicotine without the deadly delivery system of a cigarette.

#Schizophrenia #Neuroscience #Psychology #MentalHealthAwareness #Nicotine #SelfMedication #BrainResearch #Hypofrontality #AddictionScience

References :
1. Koster, M., Mannsdörfer, L., van der Pluijm, M., de Haan, L., Ziermans, T., van Wingen, G., & Vermeulen, J. (2025). The association between chronic tobacco smoking and brain alterations in schizophrenia: a systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging studies. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 51(3), 608-624.
2. Myers, S. A. (2026, February 11). Why so many people with schizophrenia smoke. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/bl...