A major new study from Germany shows that people who smoke or have smoked in the past face a significantly higher risk of depression. The research highlights both the mental and physical consequences of smoking.
The study, conducted by the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) in Mannheim, analyzed data from the German National Cohort, the country’s largest population-based health study. Findings were published in the journal BMC Public Health.
Researchers found that the risk of depression increases with the number of cigarettes smoked daily. Importantly, quitting smoking appears to reduce this risk over time, with longer abstinence linked to better mental health.
Smoking is already recognized by the World Health Organization as the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, responsible for over eight million deaths annually. While the physical effects of smoking are well-known, this study emphasizes its impact on mental health as well.
The research included nearly 174,000 participants aged 19 to 72, with women making up about half the sample. Participants were grouped into never-smokers, former smokers, and current smokers. Data on lifetime and current depression symptoms were collected, along with detailed smoking histories.
Results showed that both current and former smokers reported higher rates of depression than never-smokers. The link was strongest among people aged 40 to 59, suggesting age and social factors influence the relationship between smoking and depression.
Notably, individuals who quit smoking years earlier had longer periods free from depression compared to recent quitters. This underscores the long-term mental health benefits of smoking cessation.
Dr. Fabian Streit of CIMH emphasized that preventing smoking initiation and supporting quitting efforts are critical. “Stopping smoking may play a meaningful role in improving mental well-being,” he said.
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The study reinforces public health messages on smoking, highlighting the importance of addressing both physical and psychological effects of tobacco use.
