Smoking Increases Risk Of Major Depression For Women - Royal College Of Psychiatrists

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Also Included In: Depression;  Women's Health / Gynecology;  Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 01 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Women who smoke are at greater risk of developing major depressive disorder, according to new research published in the October issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne studied a group of women in Australia, who had been followed for a decade as part of the Geelong Osteoporosis Study.

The results of a psychiatric test revealed that women with depression were more likely to have been smokers than those without depression. Among 165 women with major depressive disorder and 806 controls, smoking was clearly associated with increased odds for major depressive disorder. Indeed, the odds more than doubled for heavy smokers (those who smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day) compared with non-smokers.

The researchers also examined longitudinal data to determine the risk of women developing a new major depressive disorder over time. A total of 671 women with no history of major depressive disorders were studied.

Of the 87 women who were smokers, 13 went on to develop major depressive disorder. However, among 584 non-smokers, just 38 developed major depressive disorder during a decade of follow-up.

The researchers concluded that smoking increased the risk of major depressive disorder by 93%.

Previous research has shown that smoking is a risk factor for depression. There is also increasing evidence that smoking may aggravate mental illness or contribute to its onset. However, most previous studies have involved short time frames, and this study is the first to investigate smoking using longitudinal data that extends over a ten-year period.

The researchers observed that depression is a leading cause of global disease burden, and called for greater efforts to encourage smokers to quit.

Reference:

Pasco JA, Williams LJ, Jacka FN, Ng F, Henry MJ, Nicholson GC, Kotowicz MA and Berk M (2008) Tobacco smoking as a risk factor for major depressive disorder: population based study, British Journal of Psychiatry, 193: 322-326 The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. We promote mental health by:

- Setting standards and promoting excellence in mental health care
- Improving understanding through research and education
- Leading, representing, training and supporting psychiatrists
- Working with patients, carers and their organisations

As well as running its membership examination (MRCPsych), and visiting and approving hospitals for training purposes, the College organises scientific and clinical conferences and lectures and continuing professional development activities. The College publishes books, reports and educational material for professionals and the general public. It also publishes the British Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Bulletin, Advances in Psychiatric Treatment and International Psychiatry, all of which are now available on-line.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has been in existence in some form since 1841. First as the "Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane" (later changed to the Medico Psychological Association) then, in 1926 receiving its Royal Charter to become the "Royal Medico Psychological Association, and finally, in 1971 receiving a Supplemental Charter to become the "Royal College of Psychiatrists" we know today.

Royal College of Psychiatrists