Increased rates of smoking among people with schizophrenia have a number of serious impacts, including increased rates of mortality, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced treatment effectiveness, and greater financial hardship.[2][3][4][5] Studies have also shown that in a male population, having a schizophrenia spectrum disorder puts a patient at risk of excess tobacco use.[6] As a result, researchers believe it is important for mental health professionals to combat smoking among people with schizophrenia.[2][3]