Schizophrenia is a condition caused by an imbalance of the neurotransmitters in the brain.
Scientists from the United Kingdom conducted a study which found that smokers face an increased risk of schizophrenia.
The study involved 15,000 smokers and non-smokers 273,000th They filled out a questionnaire that included questions about their lifestyle, including exercise habits, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption. Scientists at the risk assessment took into account other factors, including genetic predisposition for the development of schizophrenia and the family history of each participant.
“Previous studies have already shown that there is a link between nervous system diseases and smoking, and this study reveals that smoking may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia,” said lead researcher Professor. James MacCabe.
Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder that occurs in about 1 in 100 people. The first symptoms usually begin to appear between the ages of 35 and 45 years. Schizophrenia is a condition caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which disrupts communication between neurons.
Research results have shown that smokers have a higher risk of developing schizophrenia, because of the increased level of dopamine in the brain. Exposure to nicotine, say the researchers, can increase dopamine levels, and every unnatural increase levels of dopamine impair cognitive function.
The researchers emphasize that the results of this preliminary research that is necessary to carry out the evaluation by external experts.