Smokers have a 41 percent higher risk of suffering depression

According to a study of 8,556 middle aged university graduates by scientists of the University of Navarra and the Harvard School of Public Health (USA), the odds of suffering depression increases 41% in smokers in comparison with non-smokers, which according to the researchers "demonstrates in a pioneering way the direct relationship between tobacco use and this disease".

Demonstrating that the authors factored in causation versus correlation, they noted that “genetic and/or environmental disposition, which will increase the probability that the tobacco habit is retained and that the user will suffer depression as an independent issue.” In other words smoking may play a role in depression and depression may play a role in people smoking. Among the contributing factors a reduction of physical activity was also noted.

The lessons are obvious. For a multitude of reasons, cessation of smoking is a critical element of physical and mental well-being. There is some good news. The study indicated that those who had given up tobacco more than a decade previously have a lesser probability of developing depression than those who have never smoked. Stated simply, it is not too late.

Source: press release