Smoking May Increase Depressive Symptoms in Teenagers

Strategic Insights -

Scientists at the University of Toronto and the University of Montreal have discovered that smoking may increase depressive symptoms in some adolescents. Published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, this finding is part of the long-term Nicotine Dependence in Teens study. The study found that teenage smokers who reported emotional benefits from smoking are at a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, published in Addictive Behaviors, examined the perceived emotional benefits of smoking among adolescents and found that smoking may increase depressive symptoms.
  • Researchers surveyed 662 high school teenagers from grades 7 to 11 about their use of cigarettes to affect mood.
  • The study divided participants into three groups: never smokers, smokers who did not use cigarettes for emotional benefits, and smokers who used cigarettes for emotional benefits.
  • Smokers who used cigarettes to self-medicate had higher risks of elevated depressive symptoms than teens who had never smoked.
  • The association between depression and smoking exists primarily among teens who use cigarettes for emotional benefits.
  • Depressive symptom scores were higher among teenagers who reported emotional benefits from smoking after they began to smoke.

Statistics:

  • 662 high school teenagers were surveyed for the study.
  • 3 groups of participants: never smokers, smokers who did not use cigarettes for emotional benefits, and smokers who used cigarettes for emotional benefits.
  • Depressive symptoms were measured using a scale with 6 questions: tiredness, sleep difficulties, unhappiness, hopelessness, nervousness, and excessive worry.
  • Smokers who used cigarettes for emotional benefits had higher depressive symptoms than teens who had never smoked.

Sources:

  • "Use of cigarettes to improve affect and depressive symptoms in a longitudinal study of adolescents" published in Addictive Behaviors.
  • University of Toronto.
  • Ontario Tobacco Research Unit.
  • University of Montreal.
  • University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre.
  • NDIT study.