Smoking cessation amongst patients with mental disorders.

Cigarette smoking is very prevalent amongst patients suffering from mental disorders. In recent years additional scientific proof has been gathered regarding nicotine addiction mechanisms as effective treatments for smoking cessation. Some of these therapies are included in the "Basket of Health Services" of the State of Israel. Despite high smoking prevalence, the success rate for smoking cessation is low amongst patients with mental disorders. In this paper the possible reasons for this phenomenon are presented, as well as the possible biological and behavioral models that support this severe addiction amongst these patients. Scientifically based methods for smoking cessation are reviewed, including pharmacological and behavioral treatments. In addition, unique updated recommendations for smoking cessation amongst patients with mental disorders are presented.