Alison Beck, under the supervision of Dr Juanita Todd and Professor Amanda Baker, is conducting a study to investigate the relationship between nicotine, brain function and reasons for smoking.

We are seeking to recruit two groups of volunteers, aged 18 to 60, who currently smoke at least 15 cigarettes per day.

1) Individuals who do not have a current diagnosis of mental illness, or a first degree relative with a diagnosis of schizophrenia
2) Individuals with a current diagnosis of schizophrenia

There are two options for participation: Face-to-face appointments or a Self-Report questionnaire

Face-to Face Appointments:

Participants are required to complete a brief set of tasks at the University of Newcastle - once when smoking as per usual and once before the first cigarette of the day.

Participants are offered reimbursement for time, travel and any inconvenience incurred, to the amount of $40 for the appointment following overnight abstinence and $20 for the other appointment.

Self-report Questionnaire:

This component of the study consists of questions designed to assess different reasons for smoking, as well as general background information, smoking history and attitudes toward the face-to-face component of the study.

You will be asked to complete and return this questionnaire in your own time, using reply paid envelopes provided. This questionnaire should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. You will be offered a $15 Coles/Myer voucher as a token reimbursement for time and any inconvenience associated with completing the questionnaire.