Diagnóstico y tratamiento psicosocial del tabaquismo

Abstract

Tobacco dependence is an addictive chronic disease, characterized by its trend to the recurrence, in which the relapses are part of the process of smoking cessation. It is recommended a complete clinical evaluation, including the application of certain tests that can allow level of dependence, motivation and psychiatric comorbidities evaluation. The current treatment of smoking has two pillars: psycho-social intervention and pharmacological therapy. The current interventions are based on two theoretical models that try to understand changes of smoking behavior: The Stages of Change and PRIME Theory. Brief intervention is a strategy internationally approved because of its population impact on smoking cessation. The methodology used is named "5A's": Ask, Advise, Asses, Assist and Arrange follow-up. For not motivated patients at the intervention time it can be used the "5R 's" methodology: Relevance, Risks, Rewards, Roadblocks and Repetition. The actual approach used in smokers management, is Motivational Interview, which tries to produce the behavioral change from inside and not imposing it. Its four tools are: express empathy, develop discrepancy, roll with resistance and support self efficacy. The useful psychosocial strategies, in which exists consensus, are: 1) Give practical counseling of problem solving and skills training to face risky situations; 2) Intra-treatment support, encouraging attempts of smoking cessation and communicate caring and concern. (AU)