Can someone explain to me why it is that doctors do not recommend a total cessation of caffeine and nicotine use for schizophrenic patients? The research I have done indicates that caffeine and nicotine condition the production of higher levels of dopamine, which in the dopaminergic hypothesis of schizophrenia is the reason for positive symptoms. However, although my doctor will recommend that I not overdo it on caffeine, none of them have ever recommended that I stop smoking and using caffeine. Is it that the dopamine production caused by nicotine/caffeine is in a different part of the brain than that which causes positive symptoms, or…?
In my own personal experience, I am much less susceptible to delusions and hallucinations when I am completely “sober” (although I experience a much lower energy level), so I would like to quit smoking and coffee/tea to see my symptoms subside. However, without some sort of medical backing, I am less motivated to quit entirely. I know the idea that the schizophrenia will “go away” if I stop using is very likely a delusion, but is it possible that nicotine and caffeine do produce more positive symptoms, and by ceasing use one can be rid of some of these positive symptoms?
Any shedding of light on the relationship between nicotine/caffeine/dopamine/symptoms would be greatly appreciated.