Scientists Confirmed the Link Between Smoking and the Development of Depression 0 11

The study included data from 173,000 people aged 19 to 72, half of whom were women. Participants provided information about depression diagnoses, current symptoms, living conditions, and smoking habits. Based on this information, three groups were formed: never smokers, former smokers, and current smokers.

Researchers found that depression is diagnosed more frequently in both current and former smokers compared to those who have never smoked, especially in the age group of 40–59 years. Additionally, a dose-dependent relationship was identified: the number of cigarettes smoked per day correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms.

Furthermore, a later onset of smoking was associated with a later development of the first depressive episode. At the same time, quitting smoking had a positive effect: as the duration of abstinence increased, the last episode of depression was delayed. On average, each year without cigarettes was associated with improvements in mental health indicators.