A new cohort study led by researchers at Oxford University’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences reveals that quitting smoking can result in significant improvements in mental health outcomes.
This information is pertinent for people with and without mental health disorders, addressing concerns raised by both healthcare professionals and smokers.
The study’s results were published in JAMA Network Open.
Methodology
The research utilized data from a substantial, randomized clinical trial titled Evaluating Adverse Events in a Global Smoking Cessation Study (EAGLES), conducted at 140 centers across 16 countries between 2011 and 2015.
However, for this analysis, the data was limited to participants from the United States.
The study included adults who smoked, with or without a psychiatric disorder. A total of 4,260 participants were included in the analysis, with 55.4% having a history of mental illness.
Key Findings
Findings show that abstaining from smoking between weeks nine and 24 was associated with significant improvements in anxiety and depression scores.
The researchers used three statistical approaches to mitigate confounding and provide robust evidence about the effects of quitting smoking on mental health.
Comments from the Researchers
Lead author Angela Wu commented on the importance of these findings, stating, “The number of people smoking who also have a mental health condition has remained the same since 1993 (approximately 40%).
We hope our results can help motivate policymakers and stakeholders to better support smoking cessation in people with mental health conditions.”
Min Gao, co-author, stressed, “Quitting smoking will not worsen and may improve mental health outcomes.”
Paul Aveyard, co-author and Professor of Behavioral Medicine at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, pointed out,
“What people perceive are the benefits of smoking are the symptoms of withdrawal from cigarettes…when people stop smoking their mental health improves, whereas those who do not stop smoking have no improvement.”
Significance
Smoking is the global leading cause of preventable illnesses and deaths. However, many smokers continue to smoke because they believe it helps alleviate stress and provides psychological benefits.
This study debunks the myth that smoking has a calming effect and shows that quitting smoking can lead to mental health improvements.
Such results are crucial in raising awareness and informing policies around smoking cessation, particularly for those with mental health conditions.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about 6 daily habits to reduce stress & anxiety, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies about a big cause of depression in middle-aged and older people, and results showing a drug that can reduce depression and suicidal thoughts.
The study was published in JAMA Network Open.
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