Depressed smokers more likely to quit than non-depressed counterparts

A new study has shown that depressed smokers are more likely to successfully quit than their non-depressed counterparts.

A new evidence review in the Cochrane Library finds that depressed smokers may stop smoking longer and benefit overall from mood management interventions after they quit smoking.

Lead author Regina van der Meer, MPH, a researcher at the Dutch Expert Centre on Tobacco Control, said that health professionals should encourage their smoking patients with depression to use a smoking cessation intervention that includes a psychosocial mood management component.

The researchers studied 49 randomized controlled trials, including 33 trials that focused on smoking cessation with a mood management element for those with current or past depression.

The analysis compared both smoking cessation programs using psychosocial interventions, like counseling or exercise, and those using bupropion, an antidepressant to standard non-smoking programs.

When psychosocial components were added, smokers were able to stop smoking for longer periods.

While bupropion was effective for those with a history of depression, it was not found to be effective for smokers with current depression, the study found.