Comparisons between behavioral disinhibition in nonsmokers and smokers at different smoking patterns

The influence of behavioral disinhibition may vary according to the way this parameter is assessed and in relation to different patterns of smoke. This study evaluated the effect of gender, levels of addiction, nicotine deprivation and smoking patterns on behavioral disinhibition in smokers and nonsmokers. A sample of 180 participants from 18 to 30 years old was recruited to complete the Parametric Go/No-Go (PGNG) and Stop Signal Task (SST). The results identified that smokers have more difficulty inhibiting a prepotent response than nonsmokers in SST, but not with PGNG. Female nonsmokers presented shorter SSRT than male nonsmokers and smokers. Moderate to high nicotine dependence influenced the poor precision on no-go trials of PGNG. Smoking treatment should not be directly influenced by gender, but understanding the effects of smoking history and nicotine deprivation is a key aspect in facilitating smoking cessation and prevention.