Research suggests that there may be something in cigarette smoke that has antidepressant properties, which explains why cigarette smoking is much more common among depressed patients. In fact:

• Individuals prone to depression face a 20% greater chance of becoming depressed when they quit smoking.
• People with psychiatric disorders are twice as likely as the general population to smoke. Nicotine dependent people with comorbid psychiatric disorders make up 7% of the population yet consume 34% of all cigarettes.
• It is believed that nicotine may improve mood, masking depression, in certain people with genetically induced depression.
• People with low self-esteem and adolescents with behavioral problems have a higher risk for smoking.
• Depression increases the danger of starting smoking at an early age.

What do to:

If you experience symptoms of depression while quitting, see your doctor as soon as possible. Supportive counseling and medication are available.