Smoking Cessation in patients with Severe Mental Illness

Objective: People with severe mental illness(SMI) are up to three times more likely to smoke than other members of the general population, but poor cessation outcomes. The aim of the study is to explore smoking behaviours, motivations for stopping smoking in individuals with SMI. Methods: We used data from 1002 participants of Smoking Cessation Clinic of Sotiria Hospital during 4 years. Nicotine dependence, readiness to quit were assessed by questionnaires. The primary outcome, smoking cessation, was defined as complete abstinence from smoking at 4 to 12 weeks. Results: A total of 270 (27%) smokers with SMI, were included in the study, particularly 42 with schizophrenia disorders, 36 with bipolar disorder, 140 with depression and 136 with anxiety and other disorders. They were mostly women (60%) with mean age 52 years old. Regarding their smoking habit, they smoked an average of 25 cigarettes per day, with a dependence score of 6,7± 2 according to Fangestrom and a Readiness score of 9,12 ± 3 at their first visit. SMI smokers primary reasons for smoking were stress management (46%), and dealing with unpleasant situations (26%). Their motivations for stop smoking were related to concerns for their present (57%) or future (67%) health. 66% of them reported previous attempts to stop smoking, but without any help in 45% of them. 40 (15%) smokers with SMI quit smoking during the program. Conclusions: These data indicate that smokers with SMI are motivated to quit smoking and behavioral therapy helped them a lot. Future recommendations should focus on people with SMI to inspire their confidence .