Smoking has long been associated with severe physical health risks, but the detrimental impact on mental health is often overlooked. However, a recent study has shed light on a profound link between smoking and mental well-being. The findings suggest that quitting smoking not only benefits physical health but also has a significant positive impact on mental health. Let’s delve into the study’s insights and explore the importance of quitting smoking for improving mental well-being.
The study
A new cohort study has provided evidence that quitting smoking can improve mental health outcomes among people with and without mental health disorders. Published in JAMA Network Open on June 1, 2023, the study was led by a team of researchers at Oxford University’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences. Employing rigorous analytical approaches, the study assessed changes in mental health following smoking cessation.
The study used data from a large, randomized clinical trial, the Evaluating Adverse Events in a Global Smoking Cessation Study (EAGLES), which occurred in 16 countries and 140 centers between 2011 and 2015. However, only data from US-based participants were used for this secondary analysis. The study involved adults with or without a psychiatric disorder who smoked—a total of 4,260 participants were included, 55.4% having been diagnosed with a history of mental illness.
What were the results?
Findings revealed that smoking abstinence between weeks nine and 24 significantly improved anxiety and depression scores. This means that smoking and mental well-being do not co-exist.
The number of people smoking who also have a mental health condition has remained the same since 1993 (approximately 40%).
The quit rate among those with mental health disorders is much lower than those who do not have a formal diagnosis. This is likely because the nicotine found in combustible cigarettes offers users a temporary calming effect, and some healthcare professionals may dissuade smokers with mental health from attempting to quit due to concerns about the potential worsening of their mental well-being.
Angela Wu, lead author and researcher said, “While we are seeing a large decrease in smoking rates over the years in the UK for the general population, this is not the case for people living with mental health conditions.”
“Stopping smoking is not easy,” she added. “What we do know though is that you are more likely to successfully stop smoking when you are supported, whether that is pharmacologically or behaviourally. There are many alternatives and options to help you quit, such as counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and even trying out electronic cigarettes.”
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