Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Does smoking cessation cause depression and anxiety? Findings from the ATTEMPT cohort
Bruce Bolam1, Robert West, David Gunnell
1Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS82PS, UK. brucelbolam@gmail.com
Introduction:
The impact of long-term smoking abstinence upon symptoms of depression and anxiety has not been adequately studied. The ATTEMPT cohort is the largest longitudinal study of smoking cessation currently available with sufficiently frequent follow-up to be able to address this question.
Methods:
A cohort of quitters free from symptoms of depression (n = 1,027) and anxiety (n = 936) at baseline were followed up over 9 months using an established Internet panel.
Results:
The age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios for incident symptoms of depression or anxiety associated with 6- to 9-month smoking abstinence compared with continued smoking were 1.03 (95% CI 0.41 to 2.56) and 1.05 (95% CI 0.39 to 2.82), respectively.
Conclusions:
Stopping smoking does not appear to increase the risk of symptoms of depression and anxiety in those free from symptoms when they quit.
Related Concept Videos
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Depression: Overview
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...