Cigarette smoking remains high in patients with schizophrenia and adversely affects their health, a recent study found. While recent studies could not confirm earlier findings regarding smoking’s beneficial effects on cognitive function, the association between smoking, positive symptoms, and suicidal behavior was revealed through molecular studies. Among the findings:

• Cigarette smoking continues to adversely after the health of individuals with schizophrenia.
• Both smoking and heavy nicotine dependence facilitates smoking in patients with schizophrenia.
• Smoking may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.