Smoking Cessation Is Associated with Improvements in Mental Health

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

The effect size is similar to that of antidepressant treatment.

Many smokers cite relief of psychological symptoms as a reason for continued smoking. However, the relation between smoking and mental health is unclear. In this meta-analysis of 26 prospective, observational studies conducted in various countries worldwide, investigators compared changes in mental health (anxiety, depression, mixed anxiety and depression, quality of life, positive affect, and stress) at ≥6 weeks' post–smoking cessation with changes after the same amount of time among people who continued to smoke.

After a median follow-up of 6 to 12 months, smoking cessation, compared with continued smoking, was associated with significant decreases in anxiety, depression, mixed anxiety and depression, and stress and significant increases in psychological quality of life and positive affect (all measured via questionnaires). The effect size was similar between participants from general populations and those with physical or psychiatric illnesses.

Citation(s):

Taylor G et al. Change in mental health after smoking cessation: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2014 Feb 13; 348:g1151.