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Smoking behaviors across anxiety disorders
Randi E McCabe1, Susan M Chudzik, Martin M Antony
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, St Joseph's Healthcare, 50 Charlton Ave. East, Ont, Hamilton, Canada L8N 4A6. rmccabe@stjosham.on.ca
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|January 17, 2004
Summary
Smoking is specifically linked to panic disorder (PD), not other anxiety disorders. Smokers with PD were more likely to smoke heavily, suggesting a unique relationship requiring further study.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Smoking is prevalent in the general population.
- Previous research suggests associations between smoking and various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific association between smoking and panic disorder (PD) versus other anxiety disorders.
- To test Zvolensky et al.'s theory on the specific link between smoking and PD.
Main Methods:
- Examined smoking behaviors across three diagnostic groups: PD (with/without agoraphobia), social phobia (SP), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Compared smoking prevalence and heavy smoking rates among the groups.
- Assessed depression, general anxiety, distress, and anxiety sensitivity in smokers versus nonsmokers.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher proportion of individuals with PD (40.4%) reported smoking compared to those with SP (20%) and OCD (22.4%).
- Individuals with PD were more likely to be heavy smokers.
- Smokers, regardless of diagnosis, reported higher levels of depression, general anxiety, and distress.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the theory of a specific association between smoking and panic disorder.
- The unique link between smoking and PD warrants further investigation into the causal relationship.
- Smoking cessation interventions may need tailored approaches for individuals with PD.