Revisiting the Bioinformational Model of Tobacco Dependence: Specific Application to Psychiatric Populations

ABSTRACT

Almost 15 years ago, Niaura, Goldstein, and Abrams (Niaura 1991, 593–97) described the bioinformational model of tobacco dependence, and suggested that the model could serve as a mechanism by which to integrate research and advance scientific progress. In addition to the research implications highlighted by Niaura and colleagues, the bioinformational model may be applied to the treatment of tobacco dependence, and may be particularly useful in understanding tobacco dependence within psychiatric patients (in which rates of tobacco dependence are elevated and smoking cessation is impeded). In this paper, we provide a brief overview of the problem of tobacco dependence and psychiatric comorbidity, and highlight tobacco science data within the bioinformational framework and as relevant to understanding and treating psychiatric smokers.

KEYWORDS:

• Bioinformational model
• tobacco dependence
• psychiatric comorbidity