The use of legal substances by persons with schizophrenia

Abstract

Poor diet habits and a more sedentary life may contribute to a worse physical health outcome of persons with schizophrenia, who are subjected to an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and other metabolic complications. These patients report greater euphoria and stimulatory effects in response to alcohol that may contribute to the increased risk for alcohol use disorders, which complicate the functional outcome of schizophrenia. Among subjects in this diagnostic group, those exposed to caffeine consumption tend to drink heavier amount of it, although the psychobiological implication of this finding has not been elucidated. Finally, there is worldwide a greater prevalence of tobacco smoking, heavy smoking and high nicotine dependence; and the available date support a theory of shared vulnerability to both smoking and schizophrenia rather than a self-medication hypothesis. The authors, all of whom have been contributors in this area, will discuss each other presentations