Project Summary

Michael H. Allen, M.D. (Independent Investigator 2005) of University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, aims to study whether nicotine replacement may be able to reduce some of the agitation and aggression seen in an inpatient population of smokers who have schizophrenia. Episodic agitation and aggression are common and significant problems for patients with schizophrenia, putting them at risk for physical and chemical restraint. This aggressive behavior in smokers, however, can be exacerbated by acute nicotine deprivation and nicotine withdrawal. Some studies have shown, however, that nicotine gums and transdermal patches can lessen aggressive behaviors resulting from acute tobacco abstinence. Given the frequency and hazards of physical restraint and the limitations of available treatments, demonstrating a small contribution from nicotine replacement could alter practice patterns and significantly improve the care of agitated patients. Besides assessing the effect of nicotine replacement, this study also will correlate P50 evoked potential with measures of agitation and aggression.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Bipolar

Search Again