Latest developments in the use of e-cigarettes by people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who smoke: a scoping review - Summary - MDSpire

Recent Insights into E-Cigarette Utilization Among Smokers with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review

  • By

  • Pasquale Caponnetto

  • Sarah Pratt

  • Carlo Maria Bellanca

  • Noemi Maria Vitale

  • Graziella Chiara Prezzavento

  • Giusy Rita Maria La Rosa

  • Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi

  • Ramin Nilforooshan

  • Isaac John

  • Abdulnaser Fakhrou

  • Antonino Petralia

  • Maria Salvina Signorelli

  • Uladzimir Pikirenia

  • Ines Testoni

  • Roberto Cavallaro

  • Marta Bosia

  • Riccardo Polosa

  • July 21, 2026

Share

Objective:

To map the emerging evidence on the use of e-cigarettes among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) or serious mental illness (SMI).

Approach:
  • Methodology: Conducted a scoping review following the Population–Concept–Context (PCC) framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, focusing on studies published between January 2020 and February 2026.
Key Findings:
  • Three studies reported across four publications were included, with a total of 323 participants. One research group contributed two separate publications reporting distinct outcomes from the same study cohort.
  • E-cigarette-based interventions are feasible and acceptable for individuals with SSD and SMI.
  • Preliminary evidence suggests smoking reduction and decreased exposure to tobacco-related carcinogens.
  • Sustained harm reduction appears dependent on integrating device provision with behavioral support.
Interpretation:

The evidence is preliminary and limited, with caution advised regarding generalizability to SSD patients, as three of the four publications included broader SMI diagnoses.

Limitations:
  • Small number of included studies.
  • Limited generalizability due to broader SMI participant inclusion.
Conclusion:

Further research is needed, including larger trials with standardized outcome measures and longer follow-up, to establish the generalizability and long-term impact of e-cigarette interventions.

Original Source(s)

Latest developments in the use of e-cigarettes by people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who smoke: a scoping review

  • by Pasquale Caponnetto, Sarah Pratt, Carlo Maria Bellanca, Noemi Maria Vitale, Graziella Chiara Prezzavento, Giusy Rita Maria La Rosa, Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, Ramin Nilforooshan, Isaac John, Abdulnaser Fakhrou, Antonino Petralia, Maria Salvina Signorelli, Uladzimir Pikirenia, Ines Testoni, Roberto Cavallaro, Marta Bosia, Riccardo Polosa

  • July 21, 2026

Related Content

Editorial: eHealth and personalized medicine in mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders: digital innovation for diagnosis, care, and clinical management

War-related and minority-related stressors and posttraumatic stress symptoms among Palestinian Arab grandmothers in Israel: a resource-based mediation model

Analysis of intervention effects of three different models on children with autism spectrum disorder