Structured Intervention for Smoking Cessation in Inpatients with Psychotic Disorders: Clinical Protocol and Implementation Perspectives

Authors

  • Filipa Gomes Tavares Departamento de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve - Unidade de Faro, Faro, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5331-7365
  • Marina Cruz Serviço de Psiquiatria, Unidade Local de Saúde de São Miguel, Açores, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0007-5689
  • João Freire Centro de Responsabilidade Integrado de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5794-442X
  • Vera Martins Centro de Responsabilidade Integrado de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7669-5724
  • Alexandre Mendes Centro de Responsabilidade Integrado de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2552-054X
  • Miguel Bajouco Centro de Responsabilidade Integrado de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Centro de Imagem Biomédica e Investigação Translacional, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Instituto de Psicologia Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3531-1135

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51338/rppsm.659

Keywords:

Mental Disorders, Smoking Cessation, Substance Withdrawal Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Smoking continues to be one of the main preventable causes of morbidity and mortality, with an aggravated impact in populations with severe mental disorders. Among individuals with psychotic disorders, the prevalence of smoking is significantly higher than in the general population, and is often justified by the relief of negative and cognitive symptoms. Smoking cessation in this group is therefore particularly challenging, but a clinical priority. We aimed to develop and implement a structured smoking cessation protocol aimed at patients admitted in an unit specialising in the treatment of patients with psychotic disorders, promoting improved overall health and contributing to psychiatric rehabilitation.

Methods: The protocol is based on a multi-professional approach, integrating structured clinical assessment, brief psychotherapeutic interventions and individualised pharmacological therapy. Validated psychometric instruments are used, with longitudinal assessment at different times up to 12 months after the start of the intervention.

Results: Implementing the protocol will improve smoking cessation rates, reduce psychiatric symptomatology and prevent relapse. Improvements in quality of life, control of antipsychotic medication and physical health indicators are also expected.

Conclusion: Integrating smoking cessation into psychiatric hospitalisation is a strategic therapeutic opportunity. Protocols such as the one proposed could be replicated in other clinical units, contributing to a more holistic approach to severe mental illness.

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Published

2026-03-14

How to Cite

Gomes Tavares, F., Cruz, M., Freire, J., Martins, V., Mendes, A., & Bajouco, M. (2026). Structured Intervention for Smoking Cessation in Inpatients with Psychotic Disorders: Clinical Protocol and Implementation Perspectives. Revista Portuguesa De Psiquiatria E Saúde Mental, 12(1), 40–46. https://doi.org/10.51338/rppsm.659

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Original article