Tobacco use and cessation in psychiatric disorders: National Institute of Mental Health report

Age-varying associations between substance use behaviors and depressive symptoms during adolescence and young adulthood

BACKGROUND

Substance use and depression often co-occur, complicating treatment of both substance use and depression. Despite research documenting age-related trends in both substance use and depression, little research has examined how the associations between substance use behaviors and depression changes across the lifespan.

METHODS

This study examines how the associations between substance use behaviors (daily smoking, regular heavy episodic drinking (HED), and marijuana use) and depressive symptoms vary from adolescence into young adulthood (ages 12-31), and how these associations differ by gender. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we implemented time-varying effect models (TVEM), an analytic approach that estimates how the associations between predictors (e.g., substance use measures) and an outcome (e.g., depressive symptoms) vary across age.

RESULTS

Marijuana use and daily smoking were significantly associated with depressive symptoms at most ages from 12 to 31. Regular HED was significantly associated with depressive symptoms during adolescence only. In bivariate analyses, the association with depressive symptoms for each substance use behavior was significantly stronger for females at certain ages; when adjusting for concurrent substance use in a multivariate analysis, no gender differences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

While the associations between depressive symptoms and both marijuana and daily smoking were relatively stable across ages 12-31, regular HED was only significantly associated with depressive symptoms during adolescence. Understanding age and gender trends in these associations can help tailor prevention efforts and joint treatment methods in order to maximize public health benefit.

Smoking and the Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Absolute Neutrophil Count in the Investigations Préventives et Cliniques Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Depressive symptoms have been associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, including elevated neutrophil count. Smokers often have both high neutrophil count and depressive symptoms. Thus, smoking could explain the cross-sectional association between depressive symptoms and neutrophil count.

METHODS

Total white blood cell count and subtypes, including absolute neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil, and eosinophil counts, were measured in 44,806 participants (28,534 men; mean [standard deviation] age = 38.9 [11.4] years), without a history of chronic disease or current medication. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Questionnaire of Depression, Second Version, Abridged. Smoking status was self-reported and categorized in five classes. Sex, age, alcohol intake, self-rated health, body mass index, glycemia, physical activity, household composition, occupational status, and education were included as covariates. Associations were examined with general linear models and causal mediation analyses.

RESULTS

After adjustment for all covariates except smoking, depressive symptoms were positively associated with neutrophil count only (β = 5.83, standard error [SE] = 2.41, p = .014). After further adjustment for a semiquantitative measure of smoking, this association was no longer significant (β = 2.40, SE = 2.36, p = .30). Causal mediation analyses revealed that smoking mediated the association (p < .001), accounting for 57% of its total variance. In contrast, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with lymphocyte count in fully adjusted model only (β = -3.21, SE = 1.11, p = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking may confound or mediate the association between depressive symptoms and neutrophil count. These results advocate for including an accurate measure of smoking in future studies addressing this association. When considering the link between depression and inflammation, one should not overlook the noxious effects of smoking.

Smoking cessation and reduction in people with chronic mental illness

The high prevalence of cigarette smoking and tobacco related morbidity and mortality in people with chronic mental illness is well documented. This review summarizes results from studies of smoking cessation treatments in people with schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also summarizes experimental studies aimed at identifying biopsychosocial mechanisms that underlie the high smoking rates seen in people with these disorders. Research indicates that smokers with chronic mental illness can quit with standard cessation approaches with minimal effects on psychiatric symptoms. Although some studies have noted high relapse rates, longer maintenance on pharmacotherapy reduces rates of relapse without untoward effects on psychiatric symptoms. Similar biopsychosocial mechanisms are thought to be involved in the initiation and persistence of smoking in patients with different disorders. An appreciation of these common factors may aid the development of novel tobacco treatments for people with chronic mental illness. Novel nicotine and tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes and very low nicotine content cigarettes may also be used to improve smoking cessation rates in people with chronic mental illness.

Nicotine Addiction and Psychiatric Disorders

Even though smoking rates have long been on the decline, nicotine addiction still affects 20% of the US population today. Moreover, nicotine dependence shows high comorbidity with many mental illnesses including, but are not limited to, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression. The reason for the high rates of smoking in patients with mental illnesses may relate to attempts to self-medicate with nicotine. While nicotine may alleviate the symptoms of mental disorders, nicotine abstinence has been shown to worsen the symptoms of these disorders. In this chapter, we review the studies from animal and human research examining the bidirectional relationship between nicotine and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression as well as studies examining the roles of specific subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the interaction between nicotine and these mental illnesses. The results of these studies suggest that activation, desensitization, and upregulation of nAChRs modulate the effects of nicotine on mental illnesses.

Assessing brain immune activation in psychiatric disorders: clinical and preclinical PET imaging studies of the 18-kDa translocator protein

Accumulating evidence from different lines of research suggests an involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders. During recent years, a series of positron emission tomography (PET) studies have been published using radioligands for the translocator protein (TSPO) to study microglia activation in schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, major depression, autism spectrum disorder, and drug abuse. The results have been somewhat conflicting, which could be due to differences both in patient sample characteristics and in PET methods. In particular, further work is needed to address both methodological and biological sources of variability in TSPO levels, a process in which the use of animal models and small animal PET systems can be a valuable tool. Given this development, PET studies of immune activation have the potential to further increase our understanding of disease mechanisms in psychiatric disorders, which is a requisite in the search for new treatment approaches. Furthermore, molecular imaging could become an important clinical tool for identifying specific subgroups of patients or disease stages that would benefit from treatment targeting the immune system.

Reciprocal associations between smoking cessation and depression in older smokers: findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

BACKGROUND

Depression is a particular problem in older people and it is important to know how it affects and is affected by smoking cessation.

AIMS

To identify reciprocal, longitudinal relationships between smoking cessation and depression among older smokers.

METHOD

Across four waves, covering six years (2002-2008), changes in smoking status and depression, measured using the 8-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, were assessed among recent ex-smokers and smokers (n = 2375) in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

RESULTS

In latent growth curve analysis, smoking at baseline predicted depression caseness longitudinally and vice versa. When both processes were modelled concurrently, depression predicted continued smoking longitudinally (B(β) = 0.21 (0.27); 95% CI = 0.08-0.35) but not the other way round. This was the case irrespective of mental health history and adjusting for a range of covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

In older smokers, depression appears to act as an important barrier to quitting, although quitting has no long-term impact on depression.

Acute administration of nicotine into the higher order auditory Te2 cortex specifically decreases the fear-related charge of remote emotional memories

Nicotine elicits several behavioural effects on mood as well as on stress and anxiety processes. Recently, it was found that the higher order components of the sensory cortex, such as the secondary auditory cortex Te2, are essential for the long-term storage of remote fear memories. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the effects of acute nicotine injection into the higher order auditory cortex Te2, on the remote emotional memories of either threat or incentive experiences in rats. We found that intra-Te2 nicotine injection decreased the fear-evoked responses to a tone previously paired with footshock. This effect was cue- and dose-specific and was not due to any interference with auditory stimuli processing, innate anxiety and fear processes, or with motor responses. Nicotine acts acutely in the presence of threat stimuli but it did not determine the permanent degradation of the fear-memory trace, since memories tested one week after nicotine injection were unaffected. Remarkably, nicotine did not affect the memory of a similar tone that was paired to incentive stimuli. We conclude from our results that nicotine, when acting acutely in the auditory cortex, relieves the fear charge embedded by learned stimuli.

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Nicotine reliefs fear memories.

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Nicotine acts on long-term memories.

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Nicotine modulates memory in auditory cortex.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking: The critical need for cessation treatment

BACKGROUND

Waterpipe use has spread globally, and has substantial negative health effects and nicotine dependence potential. A growing literature addresses cessation-related experiences of waterpipe users, but this literature has not been summarized nor is guidance available on developing and testing cessation interventions.

METHOD

Authors gathered key empirical papers on waterpipe cessation-related topics, including observational studies about users' perceived ability to quit, interest in quitting, quit rates, and cessation trials. Based on this review, recommendations are made to guide the development and rigorous evaluation of waterpipe cessation interventions.

RESULTS

Many users want to quit and make quit attempts, but are unsuccessful at doing so on their own; therefore, developing and testing waterpipe cessation interventions should be a priority for global tobacco control efforts. Early efforts have tested waterpipe cessation interventions designed for, or adapted from, cigarette smoking programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Waterpipe-specific cessation programs that address unique features of waterpipe smoking (e.g., its cultural significance, social uses, and intermittent use pattern) and characteristics and motivations of users who want to quit are needed. Recommendations are provided to move waterpipe cessation intervention development forward.

Nicotine modulation of fear memories and anxiety: Implications for learning and anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of crippling mental diseases affecting millions of Americans with a 30% lifetime prevalence and costs associated with healthcare of $42.3 billion. While anxiety disorders show high levels of co-morbidity with smoking (45.3% vs. 22.5% in healthy individuals), they are also more common among the smoking population (22% vs. 11.1% in the non-smoking population). Moreover, there is clear evidence that smoking modulates symptom severity in patients with anxiety disorders. In order to better understand this relationship, several animal paradigms are used to model several key symptoms of anxiety disorders; these include fear conditioning and measures of anxiety. Studies clearly demonstrate that nicotine mediates acquisition and extinction of fear as well as anxiety through the modulation of specific subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in brain regions involved in emotion processing such as the hippocampus. However, the direction of nicotine's effects on these behaviors is determined by several factors that include the length of administration, hippocampus-dependency of the fear learning task, and source of anxiety (novelty-driven vs. social anxiety). Overall, the studies reviewed here suggest that nicotine alters behaviors related to fear and anxiety and that nicotine contributes to the development, maintenance, and reoccurrence of anxiety disorders.

Difficulties with Emotion Regulation and Psychopathology Interact to Predict Early Smoking Cessation Lapse

There is little knowledge about how emotion regulation difficulties interplay with psychopathology in terms of smoking cessation. Participants (n = 250; 53.2 % female, M_age = 39.5, SD = 13.85) were community-recruited daily smokers (≥8 cigarettes per day) who self-reported motivation to quit smoking; 38.8 % of the sample met criteria for a current (past 12-month) psychological disorder. Emotion regulation deficits were assessed pre-quit using the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz and Roemer in J Psychopathol Behav Assess 26(1):41-54, 2004) and smoking behavior in the 28 days post-quit was assessed using the Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB; Sobell and Sobell in Measuring alcohol consumption: psychosocial and biochemical methods. Humana Press, Totowa, 1992). A Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis was used to model the effects of past-year psychopathology, DERS (total score), and their interaction, in terms of time to lapse post-quit day. After adjusting for the effects of gender, age, pre-quit level of nicotine dependence, and treatment condition, the model revealed a non-significant effect of past-year psychopathology (OR = 1.14, CI_{95 %} = 0.82-1.61) and difficulties with emotion regulation (OR = 1.01, CI_{95 %} = 1.00-1.01) on likelihood of lapse rate. However, the interactive effect of psychopathology status and difficulties with emotion regulation was significant (OR = 0.98, CI_{95 %} = 0.97-0.99). Specifically, there was a significant conditional effect of psychopathology status on lapse rate likelihood at low, but not high, levels of emotion regulation difficulties. Plots of the cumulative survival functions indicated that for smokers without a past-year psychological disorder, those with lower DERS scores relative to elevated DERS scores had significantly lower likelihood of early smoking lapse, whereas for smokers with past-year psychopathology, DERS scores did not differentially impact lapse rate likelihood. Smokers with emotion regulation difficulties may have challenges quitting, and not having such difficulties, especially without psychopathology, decreases the potential likelihood of early lapse.

Depressive symptoms affect changes in nicotine withdrawal and smoking urges throughout smoking cessation treatment: Preliminary results

BACKGROUND

Individuals who report more depressive symptoms consistently demonstrate higher rates of nicotine dependence and less successful smoking cessation than do individuals who report fewer depressive symptoms. Nicotine withdrawal and smoking urges are two potential factors that may account for the differences observed between these two groups. This study assessed whether elevated depression symptoms among nicotine dependent smokers are associated with changes in withdrawal and urges to smoke when undergoing smoking cessation treatment.

METHOD

Data on 81 nicotine dependent smokers were collected as part of a smoking cessation randomized trial that compared standard and contingency management treatment across one baseline week and four treatment weeks. Linear mixed model analyses were conducted with high and low depression scores predicting changes in withdrawal and urge ratings from a baseline week and four treatment weeks.

RESULTS

Participants with elevated depression symptoms reported more intense nicotine withdrawal and smoking urges throughout treatment. Further, participants with greater depressive symptoms exhibited an increase in smoking urges at the start of treatment, compared with a gradual decline in urges among participants with fewer depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Smokers with elevated depressive symptoms experience significantly elevated discomfort during smoking cessation efforts in the form of increased withdrawal and craving. This discomfort has the potential to make quitting smoking more difficult. Clinical Trial Identifier: NCT00865254.

Diabetes and obesity not associated with 6-month remission rates for primary care patients with depression

BACKGROUND

Complex interrelationships appear to exist among depression, diabetes, and obesity, and it has been proposed that both diabetes and obesity have an association with depression.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to explore the effect of obesity and diabetes on response to the treatment of depression. Our hypothesis was that obesity and the diagnosis of diabetes in primary care patients with depression would have no effects on depression remission rates 6 months after diagnosis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review analysis of 1894 adult (age ≥18y) primary care patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder or dysthymia and a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10 from January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2012. Multiple logistic regression modeling retaining all independent variables was performed for the outcome of remission (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 < 5) 6 months after diagnosis.

RESULTS

The presence of obesity (odds ratio = 0.937, 95% CI: 0.770-1.140, p = 0.514) or the diagnosis of diabetes (odds ratio = 0.740, 95% CI: 0.535-1.022, p = 0.068) did not affect the likelihood of remission, while controlling for the other independent variables.

CONCLUSIONS

In primary care patients treated for depression, the presence of diabetes or obesity at the time of diagnosis of depression does not appear to significantly affect remission of depressive symptoms 6 months after diagnosis.

Resilient but addicted: The impact of resilience on the relationship between smoking withdrawal and PTSD

Nicotine use is common among people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Resilience, which is reflected in one's ability to cope with stress, has been shown to be associated with lower cigarette smoking and posttraumatic stress symptoms, but relationships among these three variables have not been examined. This study investigates the relationships of resilience and nicotine withdrawal with each other and in relation to PTSD symptoms. Participants were 118 cigarette smokers with PTSD seeking treatment for PTSD and nicotine use. Data were randomly cross-sectionally sampled from three time points: week 0, week 12, and week 27 of the study. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed main effects of both resilience and nicotine withdrawal symptoms on PTSD severity, controlling for the sampled time point, negative affect, and expired carbon monoxide concentration. Consistent with prior research, PTSD severity was higher among individuals who were less resilient and for those who had greater nicotine withdrawal. There was an interaction between resilience and nicotine withdrawal on self-reported PTSD severity, such that greater resilience was associated with lower PTSD severity only among participants with low nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Among individuals with high nicotine withdrawal, PTSD severity was high, regardless of resilience level. These results suggest that resilience is a protective factor for PTSD severity for those with low levels of nicotine withdrawal, but at high levels of nicotine withdrawal, the protective function of resilience is mitigated.

Psychiatric disorders and gestational weight gain among women who quit smoking during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancy is a common time for women to quit using cigarettes and other substances. Such changes in substance use as well as other psychiatric and psychosocial changes during pregnancy can affect gestational weight gain (GWG). Thus, we evaluated the relationship between psychiatric disorders and GWG among pregnant women who had quit smoking.

METHODS

Pregnant former smokers (n = 281) enrolled in a larger trial for postpartum relapse prevention completed semi-structured psychiatric interviews and measures of prepregnancy nicotine dependence and smoking behavior, and were weighed to estimate gestational weight gain. Using linear regression and mixed-effect models, the relationship between a lifetime prevalence of each psychiatric disorder and total GWG was evaluated, controlling for variables previously related to GWG.

RESULTS

Average GWG was 15.6 (± 8.5) kg, and 56% (n = 157) of women exceeded the GWG recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) according to prepregnancy BMI. Over one-third (34.3%) of pregnant former smokers had a history of at least one diagnosable psychiatric disorder. History of psychiatric disorder was unrelated to GWG, with one exception; lifetime history of alcohol use disorder was associated with significantly larger GWG.

CONCLUSION

Women who quit smoking during pregnancy gain a considerable amount of gestational weight, and a previous history of alcohol use disorder is related to GWG. However, the benefits of smoking cessation to maternal and fetal health likely outweigh the disadvantage of weight gain, and other psychiatric disorders are not linked to GWG.

The Relationship between Anxiety Sensitivity and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: What is the Impact of Nicotine Withdrawal?

OBJECTIVES

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is related to the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among cigarette smokers, and is also implicated in the amplification of acute nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The present study sought to examine the role of nicotine withdrawal in moderating the association between AS and PTSD symptom severity among a sample of treatment-seeking smokers with PTSD.

METHOD

Participants (n = 117) were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial for the treatment of PTSD and nicotine dependence. Cross-sectional data were randomly sampled from three different study time points. A series of multiple regression models were tested.

RESULTS

Results revealed main effects of both AS and withdrawal severity on PTSD severity after controlling for gender, assessment time-point, negative affectivity, and biochemically verified smoking (expired carbon monoxide). The interaction of AS and withdrawal was also significant, and appeared to be specific to PTSD avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms. However, contrary to expectations, the association between AS and PTSD symptoms was only significant at relatively lower levels of nicotine withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the complex interplay between AS, nicotine withdrawal, and their synergistic effect in terms of the exacerbation of PTSD symptomology.

The Association of Panic Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Major Depression With Smoking in American Indians

INTRODUCTION

Rates of cigarette smoking are disproportionately high among American Indian populations, although regional differences exist in smoking prevalence. Previous research has noted that anxiety and depression are associated with higher rates of cigarette use. We asked whether lifetime panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depression were related to lifetime cigarette smoking in two geographically distinct American Indian tribes.

METHODS

Data were collected in 1997-1999 from 1506 Northern Plains and 1268 Southwest tribal members; data were analyzed in 2009. Regression analyses examined the association between lifetime anxiety and depressive disorders and odds of lifetime smoking status after controlling for sociodemographic variables and alcohol use disorders. Institutional and tribal approvals were obtained for all study procedures, and all participants provided informed consent.

RESULTS

Odds of smoking were two times higher in Southwest participants with panic disorder and major depression, and 1.7 times higher in those with posttraumatic stress disorder, after controlling for sociodemographic variables. After accounting for alcohol use disorders, only major depression remained significantly associated with smoking. In the Northern Plains, psychiatric disorders were not associated with smoking. Increasing psychiatric comorbidity was significantly linked to increased smoking odds in both tribes, especially in the Southwest.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to examine the association between psychiatric conditions and lifetime smoking in two large, geographically diverse community samples of American Indians. While the direction of the relationship between nicotine use and psychiatric disorders cannot be determined, understanding unique social, environmental, and cultural differences that contribute to the tobacco-psychiatric disorder relationship may help guide tribe-specific commercial tobacco control strategies.

Big five personality factors and cigarette smoking: a 10-year study among US adults

The present study examined the relation between the big five personality traits and any lifetime cigarette use, progression to daily smoking, and smoking persistence among adults in the United States (US) over a ten-year period. Data were drawn from the Midlife Development in the US (MIDUS) I and II (N = 2101). Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between continuously measured personality factors and any lifetime cigarette use, smoking progression, and smoking persistence at baseline (1995-1996) and at follow-up (2004-2006). The results revealed that higher levels of openness to experience and neuroticism were each significantly associated with increased risk of any lifetime cigarette use. Neuroticism also was associated with increased risk of progression from ever smoking to daily smoking and persistent daily smoking over a ten-year period. In contrast, conscientiousness was associated with decreased risk of lifetime cigarette use, progression to daily smoking, and smoking persistence. Most, but not all, associations between smoking and personality persisted after adjusting for demographic characteristics, depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use problems. The findings suggest that openness to experience and neuroticism may be involved in any lifetime cigarette use and smoking progression, and that conscientiousness appears to protect against smoking progression and persistence. These data add to a growing literature suggesting that certain personality factors--most consistently neuroticism--are important to assess and perhaps target during intervention programs for smoking behavior.

Effectiveness of the tobacco tactics program for psychiatric inpatient veterans: an implementation study

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the inpatient, nurse-administered Tobacco Tactics program for patients admitted for psychiatric conditions in two Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals compared to a control hospital.

METHODS

This is a subgroup analysis of data from the inpatient tobacco tactics effectiveness trial, which was a longitudinal, pre- post-nonrandomized comparison design with 6-month follow-up in the three large Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) 11 hospitals.

RESULTS

Six-month self-reported quit rates for patients admitted for psychiatric conditions increased from 3.5% pre-intervention to 10.2% post-intervention compared to a decrease in self-reported quit rates in the control hospital (12% pre-intervention to 1.6% post-intervention). There was significant improvement in self-reported quit rates for the pre- versus post-intervention time periods in the Detroit and Ann Arbor intervention sites compared to the Indianapolis control site (P=0.01) and cotinine results were in the same direction.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of the Tobacco Tactics intervention has the potential to significantly decrease smoking and smoking-related morbidity and mortality among smokers admitted to VA hospitals for psychiatric disorders.

Self-efficacy in providing smoking-cessation services among psychiatric nurses in central and southern Taiwan: an exploratory study

Smoking by psychiatric patients remains prevalent. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to understand the influence of self-efficacy and its correlates among psychiatric nurses when providing smoking-cessation services (SCS). A convenience sample of 193 nurses from psychiatric institutions was obtained. Surveys were conducted using self-report measures regarding SCS provided by psychiatric nurses. The survey questions focused on self-efficacy, attitude, practical experience, and smoke-free policies, and their implementation in the workplace. The participants reported low self-efficacy for providing SCS in their self-assessment, as demonstrated by their scores of 55.3 ± 20.4, on a scale of 0 (low confidence) to 100 (high confidence). Using multiple linear regressions, statistically-significant, relevant factors included perceived provider-related barriers in providing SCS, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, the nurse's attitude towards a patient smoking, and the nurse's frequency and practical experience in providing SCS. The correlates of this self-efficacy can serve as a reference for in-service curriculum planning of SCS by psychiatric nurses. In addition, policies to limit exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke should be explored.

Depression status as a predictor of quit success in a real-world effectiveness study of nicotine replacement therapy

To provide population-level evidence of the role of current depression on smoking cessation treatment success, we conducted a secondary analysis of data obtained from a large cessation study conducted in over 13,000 smokers. On the basis of self-reported history of depression diagnoses at baseline, participants were divided into four mutually exclusive groups: current/recent depression, recurrent depression, past depression and no depression history. Cessation outcomes were compared among the four groups at 6-month follow-up. Of the 6261 individuals who were consented and attempted to be contacted for follow-up, 4648 (74.2%) had no diagnostic history of depression, 591 (9.4%) had a past history of depression, 759 (12.1%) had a current/recent depression diagnoses, and 263 (4.2%) had recurrent depression (both current and history). Those with recurrent depression were significantly less likely to quit smoking compared to those with no history of depression. In unadjusted analyses, recurrent depression was associated with significantly lower odds of quitting compared to those with either no history or a past history of depression. Current/recent depression was also associated with poorer quit outcomes compared to those with no history of depression. Depressed smokers may benefit from more individualized, in-person approaches to smoking cessation.

A systematic review on tobacco use among civilian populations affected by armed conflict

OBJECTIVE

To systematically examine evidence on tobacco use among conflict-affected civilian populations.

DATA SOURCES

Primary quantitative and qualitative studies published in English up to April 2014. Bibliographic databases searched were EMBASE, Global Health, MEDLINE, PsycEXTRA, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane; with the main terms of: (Smoke*, tobacco*, cigarette*, nicotine, beedi, bidi, papirosi, dip, chew, snuff, snus, smokeless tobacco) AND (armed-conflict, conflict-affected, conflict, war, refugee, internally displaced, forcibly displaced, asylum, humanitarian). Grey literature was searched using humanitarian databases, websites and search engines.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were independently selected by two reviewers, with a study outcome of tobacco use and a population of conflict-affected civilian populations such as internally displaced persons, refugees, residents in conflict-affected areas, residents and returning forcibly displaced populations returning in stabilised and postconflict periods. 2863 studies were initially identified.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were independently extracted. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for qualitative studies were used to assess study quality.

DATA SYNTHESIS

39 studies met inclusion criteria and descriptive analysis was used. Findings were equivocal on the effect of conflict on tobacco use. Evidence was clearer on associations between post-traumatic stress and other mental disorders with nicotine dependence. However, there were too few studies for definitive conclusions. No study examined the effectiveness of tobacco-related interventions. The quantitative studies were moderate (N=13) or weak (N=22) quality, and qualitative studies were moderate (N=3) or strong (N=2).

CONCLUSIONS

Some evidence indicates links between conflict and tobacco use but substantially more research is required.

Nicotine dependence in an isolated population of Kashubians from North Poland: a population survey

BACKGROUND

Tobacco use is a complex, multistage behaviour. The particular stages of this behaviour, including nicotine dependence (ND), are influenced by both genetics and the environment. Surveys on factors influencing tobacco use and ND, conducted in ethnically homogenous populations, can provide results less influenced by genetic and cultural heterogeneity. We aimed to assess ND in a sample of current smokers, derived from the geographically and culturally isolated population of Kashubians from North Poland, and evaluate its potential association with age, sex, and self-reported comorbidities. In addition, we attempted to replicate - for the first time in this population - previous findings on the association between ND and several variants within the CHRNA5A3-A5-B4 nicotine receptor subunit gene cluster.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of 969 unrelated subjects who were all current smokers. ND was evaluated using four measures: the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), the Heavy Smoking Index (HSI), the number of cigarettes per day (CPD) and the time to first cigarette after waking (TTF). All subjects underwent genotyping for CHRNA5 rs16969968, CHRNA3 rs578776, and CHRNB4 rs12914008 variants. Multivariate regression analysis was used for the assessment of the studied correlations. A significance level of 0.05 with the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing was set for a type 1 error in the analyses.

RESULTS

The mean CPD, FTND and HSI scores in the study sample were 17.3 ± 7.7, 3.9 ± 2.3 and 2.6 ± 1.5, respectively. No association between ND defined by FTND, HSI or TTF and age was found. In turn, heavy smoking was significantly associated with older age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-2.59, p = 0.009), and men were more likely than women to be heavy smokers (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.09-2.65, p = 0.018). Chronic comorbidity did not significantly influence ND. An analysis of association of studied polymorphisms with ND showed a borderline association of rs16969968 with CPD (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.09-2.45, p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed a low to moderate level of ND in the Kashubians, influenced by age, sex, as well as the CHRNA5 rs16969968 variant.

Differential effects of anxiety sensitivity components in the relation between emotional non-acceptance and post-traumatic stress symptoms among trauma-exposed treatment-seeking smokers

Anxiety sensitivity (AS), defined as the extent to which individuals believe anxiety and anxiety-related sensations have harmful consequences, may play an important explanatory role in the relation between emotional non-acceptance and the expression of traumatic stress symptoms among trauma-exposed smokers. This investigation examined whether lower-order dimensions of AS (cognitive, physical, and social concerns) differentially explain the relation between emotional non-acceptance and post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptom clusters (re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal) among trauma-exposed daily smokers (N = 169, 46% female; Mage = 41, SD = 12.3). AS and its lower-order facets of cognitive and social concerns were found to mediate the relations between emotional non-acceptance and avoidance and hyperarousal PTS symptoms. Using a multiple mediation model, the mediational effect of AS cognitive concerns for the relation between emotional non-acceptance and post-traumatic avoidance symptoms was found to be uniquely evident relative to social and physical concerns. All observed AS effects were evident above and beyond the variance accounted for by gender, number of traumatic event exposure types, negative affectivity, number of cigarettes smoked per day, and alcohol use problems. The present findings suggest cognitive-based AS concerns may play a mechanistic role in the relation between emotional non-acceptance and certain PTS symptoms among trauma-exposed daily smokers.

Anxiety and substance use disorders: co-occurrence and clinical issues

The co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUDs) and anxiety disorders has been now well established. This association is frequent and can be explained by three models: the shared vulnerability factors model, the self-medication model, and the substance-induced model. General population epidemiological studies provide strong evidence of the frequency of the association for the most used substances: tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and to a lesser extent sedatives, opiates, and cocaine. For substances that are less commonly used in the general population, the frequency of the co-occurrence can more precisely be studied in clinical samples. We provide the most recent literature results on the association of SUDs and anxiety, and evidence for one explicative model or the other when available. For substances with sedative properties (alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis, opioids), both evidence for a self-medication and for a toxic effect exist. For substances with psychostimulant properties (tobacco, cocaine, and amphetamines), the literature favors the toxic hypothesis to explain the association with anxiety disorders. We give practical steps for the recognition of these dual diagnoses and present therapeutic issues, although the strategies are rarely evidence based.

The relationship between maternal depression and smoking cessation during pregnancy--a cross-sectional study of pregnant women from 15 European countries

Epidemiologic studies have reported an association between depression and continuing smoking during pregnancy. However, differences in study design and methodology challenge study comparability. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal depression and continuing smoking among pregnant European women while adjusting for maternal characteristics. This multinational, web-based study evaluated pregnant women in 15 European countries recruited from October 2011 to February 2012. Data on depression status, smoking habits, maternal socio-demographic characteristics, and life-style factors were collected via an anonymous online questionnaire. Associations were estimated with logistic regression. Of 4,295 women included, 1,481 (34.5 %) reported smoking before pregnancy, and 391 (26.4 %) continued smoking during pregnancy whereof 127 (32.5 %) were depressed. The association between depression and continuing smoking during pregnancy were uniform across the European countries (OR 2.02, 95 % CI 1.50-2.71), with about twice the prevalence of continuing smoking among the depressed. There was a strong relationship between continuing smoking in pregnancy and low education level (OR 4.46, 95 % CI 2.72-7.32), which coincided with risky pregnancy behavior such as failure to attend pregnancy/birth preparation courses (OR 1.80, 95 % CI 1.19-2.72) and follow recommended use of folic acid (OR 1.81, 95 % CI 1.23-2.65). Women who perceived the risk for the fetus of continued smoking during pregnancy as higher were the least likely to continue smoking during pregnancy (OR 0.72, 95 % CI 0.68-0.77). This underlines the clustering of risk in some pregnant women, and the results should guide antenatal care of depressed women struggling to quit smoking during pregnancy.

Prevalence, patterns, associated factors and severity of substance use among psychotic patients in southern Thailand

Co-occurring substance use in psychotic patients causes many subsequences including increased illness severity, decreased medication compliance, higher relapse rates, more hospitalizations, and legal problems. We aim to investigate the prevalence, patterns, associated factors and severity of substance use risk among psychotic patients in southern Thailand. Psychotic out-patients were screened with the Alcohol, Smoking, Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) for their history of substance use in the past three months and categorized as None-to-Low Risk (NLR) or Moderate-to-High Risk (MHR) levels. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associated factors of substance use risk-level. The associations between substance use risk-level and emotional and behavioural symptoms, functional status and family functional status were examined using multivariate linear regression analysis. Of 663 participants screened, 322 (48.6%) used at least one substance in the past three months. Tobacco was the most common substance used (47.2%). The factors associated with a higher risk of any substance use were male gender, young age group, low level of education, being employed and being diagnosed with schizophrenia. A higher number of emotional and behavioural symptoms was significantly associated with higher substance use risk-level. In conclusion, the prevalence of substance use in psychotic patients was high and associated with their emotional and behavioural symptoms. Recommendations for implementation of screening and early intervention programs of substance-related problems in psychotic patients are important for preventing unwanted outcomes.

Dementia praecox redux: a systematic review of the nicotinic receptor as a target for cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia

Most individuals with schizophrenia suffer some cognitive dysfunction: such deficits are predictive of longer-term functioning; and current dopamine-blocking antipsychotics have made little impact on this domain. There is a pressing need to develop novel pharmacological agents to tackle this insidious but most disabling of problems. The acetylcholinergic system is involved in cognitive and attentional processing, and its metabotropic and nicotinic receptors are widespread throughout the brain. Deficits in acetylcholinergic functioning occur in schizophrenia, and high rates of tobacco smoking have been posited to represent a form of self-medication. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has emerged as a putative target to improve cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, and this study systematically reviewed the emerging data. Nineteen studies were identified, covering three compound classes: agonists at the α7 and α 4β2 nAChRs, and positive allosteric modulators. Overall data are underwhelming: some studies showed significant improvements in cognition but as many studies had negative findings. It remains unclear if this represents drug limitations or nascent study methodology problems. The literature is particularly hindered by variability in inclusion of smokers, generally small sample sizes, and a lack of consensus on cognitive test batteries. Future work should evaluate longer-term outcomes, and, particularly, the effects of concomitant cognitive training.

A Review of the Literature Concerning HIV and Cigarette Smoking: Morbidity and Mortality, Associations with Individual- and Social-Level Characteristics, and Smoking Cessation Efforts

Cigarette smoking is endemic among many populations, but is especially prevalent among people living with HIV, and is consequently associated with a variety of types of morbidity as well as mortality. Despite this knowledge, relatively little research has been conducted among smokers living with HIV. Extant research has focused on examining individual-level characteristics associated with smoking behaviors, to the neglect of examining social-level factors. This manuscript represents a critical literature review of the intersecting research fields of HIV and cigarette smoking. Topics considered within this review include: morbidity, mortality, as well as treatment and medication adherence outcomes; individual- and social-level characteristics associated with various smoking behaviors; evidence-based smoking cessation interventions; and findings from cessation interventions among smokers living with HIV. Additionally, gaps in the existing literature, as well as directions for future research were identified and discussed.

STin2 VNTR polymorphism is associated with comorbid tobacco use and mood disorders

BACKGROUND

There is a significant comorbidity between mood disorders and tobacco use disorder (TUD), which may be related to both genetic and environmental factors. Gene variants of the 5-HT transporter, such as STin2 VNTR (a variable number of tandem repeats in the functional serotonin transporter intron 2) may be associated with mood disorders and TUD.

AIMS

This study aimed to delineate the association between the STin2 genetic polymorphism and comorbid TUD and mood disorders, including depression or bipolar disorder.

METHODS

We examined the STin2 VNTR polymorphism in never-smokers (n=113); patients with mood disorders without TUD (n=62); patients with TUD without mood disorders (n=90); and patients with both disorders (n=95).

RESULTS

We found a significant association between the STin2 genetic polymorphism and the above diagnostic groups whereby the STin2.12 allele shows a positive association with comorbid TUD and mood disorders (Odds ratio=3.07, 95% CI=1.41-6.68), while the STin2.10/10 homozygous genotype shows a negative association (Odds ratio=0.34, 95% CI=0.16-0.74). Adjusting for years of education, age, gender, marital status and ethnicity did not change these results, but showed that TUD was associated with lower education levels and less stable relationships, whereas mood disorders were related to female gender. A family history of TUD was significantly associated with TUD in subjects without mood disorders only.

CONCLUSIONS

The STin2.12 allele is positively and the STin2.10/10 genotype is negatively associated with comorbid TUD and mood disorders, depression or bipolar depression, suggesting that biological endophenotypes, e.g. disorders in serotonin metabolism, may in part underpin this comorbidity.

Varenicline as a Cause of Suicidal Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Postmarketing analyses and case reports have associated varenicline use with suicidal behaviors. This article reviews postmarketing analyses, case reports, clinical trials, uncontrolled observational studies, controlled observational studies, and studies in smokers with psychiatric problems that have tested this association.

METHOD

The author searched the literature for relevant reports via computer and other searches to undertake a qualitative, systematic review.

RESULTS

Two pooled analyses of 10 and 17 placebo-controlled trials failed to find more suicidal outcomes in the varenicline condition. Seven large uncontrolled observational studies reported low rates of suicide outcomes in varenicline users (<0.1%), and 1 study reported a higher rate (6%). Five large controlled observational studies did not find more suicide outcomes in varenicline users than in those using prescribed bupropion or over-the-counter nicotine medications. Small placebo-controlled trials and observational studies of smokers with current psychiatric problems did not find varenicline was associated with suicidal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the more valid study designs (pooled analyses of placebo controlled trials or large controlled observational studies), there is consistent evidence that varenicline either does not cause increased suicide outcomes, or if it does, the effect is very small. Warnings to consumers and clinicians should reflect, not just the results of postmarketing studies, but the results of the more valid research designs.

Smoking Cessation in Individuals With Serious Mental Illness: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Psychosocial Interventions

OBJECTIVE

Smoking among individuals with serious mental illness is a critical public health problem. Although guidelines recommend bupropion for these smokers, many do not want to use medications for smoking cessation, express ambivalence about identifying a "quit date," and do not have access to behavioral smoking cessation services integrated with mental health care.

METHODS

Individuals with serious mental illness who smoked 10 or more cigarettes per day (N = 178) were randomized to either a multifaceted behavioral group intervention or a supportive group intervention, both of which were integrated within outpatient mental health services at three VA medical centers. Participants attended twice-weekly meetings for 12 weeks, provided information on their smoking at each meeting, and completed baseline and post-treatment assessments conducted by an assessor who was blind to condition. Primary outcomes collected at post-treatment included 1-week abstinence, number of cigarettes smoked per day during the last week, and number of quit attempts during the treatment period. Outcomes examined for a subset of participants who attended at least one intervention meeting (n = 152) included smoking abstinence for 1-, 2-, and 4-week blocks during the treatment period. Analyses conducted on those participants who attended three or more intervention meetings (n = 127) included time to 50% reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked and time to first quit attempt.

RESULTS

Sixteen participants achieved abstinence (11.8%), smoking quantity was significantly reduced (baseline M = 15.2, SD = 9.8 to post-treatment M = 7.5, SD = 7.7, p <.0001), and most reported making a quit attempt (n = 88, 72.7%). There were no differences by study condition on any abstinence or reduction outcomes. Significant reductions in number of cigarettes smoked generally took place within the first two weeks; however, these reductions did not often translate into abstinence.

CONCLUSIONS

Many participants reduced their smoking and sampled quitting during the study. Implementing smoking cessation services in mental health treatment settings is feasible and, if delivered in line with best practices, either a behavioral or a supportive approach can be helpful. Future research should examine ways to facilitate the transition from reduction to abstinence. This study was part of a clinical trial registered as NCT #00960375 at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Emotional disorders and smoking: relations to quit attempts and cessation strategies among treatment-seeking smokers

The cross-sectional associations between lifetime emotional disorder status (anxiety/depressive disorders) among smokers in relation to historical quit processes were examined. Adult treatment-seeking daily cigarette smokers (n=472) received structured psychiatric interviews and completed a survey that included in-depth questions on cessation history. Having a lifetime emotional disorder was significantly associated with a greater number of prior quit attempts and cessation strategies used, including increased use of both non-pharmacological and pharmacological quit methods. These smokers may still require complimentary specialty care to address their specific affective vulnerabilities given that their use of commonly-applied strategies did not result in lifetime abstinence.

Exploring young adult sexual minority women's perspectives on LGBTQ smoking

Smoking rates are higher among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals than among heterosexuals. These disparities are exacerbated during the transition from youth to young adulthood. The current study uses in-depth qualitative interviews to understand perceptions of LGBTQ smoking among LBQ-identified women (N=30, ages 18-24). Major themes identified include the belief that smoking was a way of overcoming stressors faced by heterosexual and LGBTQ young adults alike, a mechanism to relieve sexuality-related stressors, and an ingrained part of LGBTQ culture. Results suggest unique stressors influence LGBTQ smokers. Implications for smoking cessation interventions for LGBTQ youth are discussed.

Factors influencing implementation of smoking cessation treatment within community mental health centers

OBJECTIVE

Consumers with serious mental illness smoke more and are at higher risk for smoking-related illness. We examined provider and consumer factors influencing the implementation of the evidence-based "5 A's" (ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange) in six community mental health centers in greater Baltimore.

METHODS

Data collected as part of a larger study examining the effectiveness of delivery of the 5 A's at patient visits. First, we examined responses to a survey administered to 49 clinicians on barriers and attitudes toward delivering the 5 A's. Second, we used multilevel models to examine variance between patients (n = 228), patient factors, and variance between their psychiatrists (n = 28) in the delivery of the 5 A's (and first 3 A's).

RESULTS

The most strongly endorsed barrier was perceived lack of patient interest in smoking cessation. Psychiatrists and patients both accounted for significant variance in the delivery of the 5 A's and 3 A's. Patient "readiness to change" predicted delivery of the full 5 A's, while smoking severity predicted delivery of the first 3 A's.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a critical need for creative and collaborative solutions, policies, and clinician training to address actual and perceived obstacles to the delivery of evidence-based smoking cessation treatment in the mental health care setting.

Predictors of quit attempts among smokers enrolled in substance abuse treatment

INTRODUCTION

This study investigates factors predicting past year quit attempts among smokers enrolled in substance abuse treatment in New York State.

METHODS

Data were drawn from two prior cross-sectional surveys conducted among clients treated in 10 randomly selected substance abuse treatment programs. Among 820 clients recruited, 542 self-identified as current smokers, and 485 provided information about their quit attempts. The main outcome was reporting a quit smoking attempt in the past year, dichotomized as quit attempters or non-quit attempters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore predictors of attempting to quit.

RESULTS

Half of substance abuse clients in treatment programs reported a past year quit attempt. Quit attempters were more likely to be in a preparation and contemplation stage of change (preparation: OR=2.68, 95% CI: 1.51-4.77; contemplation: OR=2.96 95% CI: 1.61-5.42), reported more positive attitudes toward quitting (OR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.11-1.99) and received more cessation services than non-quit attempters (OR=1.21; 95% CI: 1.11-1.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing patient attitudes about quitting smoking, having clinicians address smoking in the course of addiction treatment, and offering interventions to increase readiness to quit may contribute to increased quit attempts in smokers enrolled in addiction treatment programs.

The unique challenges facing HIV-positive patients who smoke cigarettes: HIV viremia, ART adherence, engagement in HIV care, and concurrent substance use

Evidence suggests that smoking may have negative associations with HIV health outcomes. The smoking rate in our sample of people living with HIV (N = 333) was triple that of the general population (57 v. 19 %). Regression analyses revealed that (smokers v. non-smokers) reported lower medication adherence (unstandardized beta = 9.01) and were more likely to have a detectable viral load (OR = 2.85, 95 % CI [1.53-5.30]). Smokers attended fewer routine medical visits (β = -0.16) and were more likely to report recent hospitalization (OR = 1.89, 95 % CI [0.99, 3.57]). Smokers ranked "health" as less important to their quality of life (β = -0.13) and were more likely to report problematic alcohol (OR = 2.40, 95 % CI [1.35, 4.30]), cocaine (OR = 2.87, 95 % CI [1.48-5.58]), heroin (OR = 4.75, 95 % CI [1.01, 22.30]), or marijuana use (OR = 3.08, 95 % CI [1.76-5.38]). Findings underscore the need for integrated behavioral smoking cessation interventions and routine tobacco screenings in HIV primary care.

Smoking reduction in psychiatric inpatients is feasible: results from a 12-month prospective study

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that smoking is a crucial morbidity factor among psychiatric patients, little progress has been made in order to reduce smoking during psychiatric hospitalization.

METHODS

We studied the smoking behaviour of patients admitted to a non-smoking psychiatric ward, after monitoring them for smoking habits and helping them cope in order to modify their smoking behaviour. For a period of 12 months, we conducted a prospective study of simple smoking avoidance measures in the 2nd Department of Psychiatry of Attikon University Hospital in Athens.

RESULTS

From 330 admitted patients, 170 (51.5%) were smokers; they were monitored for their smoking habits and encouraged by the nursing staff to reduce smoking. The mean number of cigarettes per day (CPD) at admission was 32.2 (sd 22.1) and upon discharge 14.1 (sd 14.8) (t = 11.7, p < 0.001). Most of the smokers, 142 (83.5%), managed to reduce their cigarette consumption per day. Diagnosis did not affect the reduction or increase in CPD. The only factor that predicted reduction in CPD was the female sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that seriously mentally ill psychiatric inpatients despite negative preconceptions and stereotypes respond well to simple measures aiming to reduce their smoking and modify their behaviour.

Assessing the longitudinal associations and stability of smoking and depression syndrome over a 4-year period in a community sample with type 2 diabetes 24

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the stability and longitudinal association between depression and smoking status within a community sample with type 2 diabetes (T2D) while controlling for sociodemographic and disease-related variables.

METHODS

Adults with T2D were recruited and agreed to be followed-up via random digit dialing for the Montreal Diabetes Health Study. At baseline, 1614 individuals were classified as never (n = 592), former (n = 690), light (≤10 cigarettes a day; n = 128) and moderate-heavy (11+ cigarettes a day; n = 204) smokers. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and individuals were classified as either "none" or having depression syndrome. Generalized estimating equations were used to test the association between depression syndrome and current smoking status while controlling for other demographic and health-related variables.

RESULTS

Prevalence rates of smoking and depression showed mild to substantial agreement over time. Depression syndrome was significantly associated with moderate-heavy smoking in the fully adjusted model using cross-sectional (all four waves; odds ratio [OR] 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.99; P < 0.05) and longitudinal (controlling for depression at baseline; OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.02-2.31; P < 0.05) data.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking and depression prevalence rates appear to be stable over time in our community sample with T2D. Moderate-heavy smoking is strongly associated with elevated depression, both in cross-sectional and longitudinal models. Persistent moderate-heavy smokers may be at increased risk of both physical and mental health complications. This burden is even greater for those with T2D.

Genetic polymorphisms in glutathione-S-transferases are associated with anxiety and mood disorders in nicotine dependence

Background

Nicotine dependence is associated with an increased risk of mood and anxiety disorders and suicide. The primary hypothesis of this study was to identify whether the polymorphisms of two glutathione-S-transferase enzymes (GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes) predict an increased risk of mood and anxiety disorders in smokers with nicotine dependence.

Materials and methods

Smokers were recruited at the Centre of Treatment for Smokers. The instruments were a sociodemographic questionnaire, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, diagnoses of mood disorder and nicotine dependence according to DSM-IV (SCID-IV), and the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test. Anxiety disorder was assessed based on the treatment report. Laboratory assessment included glutathione-S-transferases M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1), which were detected by a multiplex-PCR protocol.

Results

Compared with individuals who had both GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes, a higher frequency of at least one deletion of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes was identified in anxious smokers [odds ratio (OR)=2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.05–4.65, P=0.034], but there was no association with bipolar and unipolar depression (P=0.943). Compared with nonanxious smokers, anxious smokers had a greater risk for mood disorders (OR=4.67; 95% CI=2.24–9.92, P<0.001), lung disease (OR=6.78, 95% CI=1.95–23.58, P<0.003), and suicide attempts (OR=17.01, 95% CI=2.23–129.91, P<0.006).

Conclusion

This study suggests that at least one deletion of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes represents a risk factor for anxious smokers. These two genes may modify the capacity for the detoxification potential against oxidative stress.

Hardcore smokers: what do we know?

AIMS

The existence of smokers who are resistant to smoking cessation treatment has long been noted in the literature. There has been ongoing debate as to whether the proportion of these smokers is increasing as smoking prevalence rates stagnate. Studies define hardcore smokers inconsistently and within the context of specific illnesses, addiction, population, and/or theoretical paradigms. This review examines the existing literature related to hardcore smokers to develop a better understanding of what is known and not known about this group to guide smoking cessation treatment.

METHODS

PubMed MESH search and review of research publications from 1998 to 2012 (N=61).

RESULTS

Inconsistent definitions of hardcore smoking make it difficult to estimate prevalence rates and to identify specific characteristics of persistent smokers. Generally, persistent smokers have higher levels of nicotine dependence, are disproportionately from lower socioeconomic groups, start smoking at an earlier age, and are more likely to have a psychological co-morbidity.

DISCUSSION

Defining some smokers as hardcore is limiting. Targeted and tailored interventions for smoking cessation for persistent smoking have demonstrated effectiveness in a small number of studies. Treatment access barriers need to be addressed to improve the reach and effectiveness of cessation with persistent smokers. Efforts to limit early age initiation of tobacco use are a critical element in averting persistent smoking.

A naturalistic study of the association between antidepressant treatment and outcome of smoking cessation treatment

OBJECTIVE

Psychiatric, medical, and substance use comorbidities are highly prevalent among smokers, and many of these comorbidities have been found to be associated with reduced rate of success in clinical trials for smoking cessation. While much has been established about the best available treatments from these clinical trials, little is known about the effect of concomitant psychiatric medications on quit rates in smoking cessation programs. On the basis of results in populations with tobacco dependence and other substance use disorders, we hypothesized that smokers taking antidepressants would have a lower rate of quitting in an outpatient smoking cessation program.

METHOD

We performed a naturalistic chart review of veterans (N = 144) enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Mental Health Clinic Smoking Cessation Program from March 2011 through July 2013, who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for nicotine dependence. The primary outcome was smoking cessation with treatment, as evidenced by a patient report of at least 1 week of abstinence and an exhaled carbon monoxide level of ≤ 6 ppm (if available) at the end of acute treatment, with comparators including concomitant psychotropic medication treatment, psychiatric and medical comorbidities, and the presence of a substance use disorder history. We utilized stepwise binary logistic regression as the main statistical technique.

RESULTS

We found that current antidepressant treatment (P = .003) and history of substance use disorder (P = .01) (particularly cocaine [P = .02]) were associated with a lower rate of quitting smoking. Furthermore, the association between antidepressant treatment and reduced rate of smoking cessation was primarily seen in patients with a history of substance use disorder (P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

While preliminary, these results suggest an important clinical interaction meriting future study. If these findings are confirmed, clinicians may want to consider the risk of reduced ability to quit smoking in patients with a history of substance use disorder who are taking antidepressants.

A cross-sectional survey of mental health clinicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practice relating to tobacco dependence among young people with mental disorders

Background

Mental health services in England are smoke-free by law and expected to provide comprehensive support to patients who smoke. Although clinicians’ knowledge in this area is reported to be limited, research exploring the issue in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of clinicians working within specialist and highly specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) relating to tobacco dependence, its treatment and its relation to mental disorder.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of clinicians working across all CAMHS teams of a large UK National Health Service mental health Trust.

Results

Sixty clinicians (50% response rate) completed the survey. Less than half (48.3%) believed that addressing smoking was part of their responsibility, and half (50%) asserted confidence in supporting patients in a cessation attempt. Misconceptions relating to smoking were present across all staff groups: e.g. only 40% of respondents were aware of potential interactions between smoking and antipsychotic medications, although psychiatrists were more knowledgeable than non-medical clinicians (91.6% vs 27.1%; OR 3.4, p < .001). Self-reported attendance at smoking-related training was significantly associated with more proactive clinical practice.

Conclusions

There is a need to improve clinicians’ knowledge, capacity and confidence in effectively identifying, motivating, supporting and treating young smokers in the context of treatment for mental disorders.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-014-0618-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dysphoria and smoking among treatment seeking smokers: the role of smoking-related inflexibility/avoidance

BACKGROUND

Emerging data suggest that dysphoria is one facet of depression that is especially related to various aspects of cigarette smoking. However, it is presently unknown what emotional processes may account for these relations.

OBJECTIVES

In the current cross-sectional study, the impact of avoidance and inflexibility to smoking (AIS), a smoking-specific form of experiential avoidance, was tested on the relationship of dysphoria to four specific smoking processes that are key factors in cessation: perceived barriers to cessation, severity of problems during prior quit attempts, negative reinforcement smoking expectancies, and motivation to quit smoking.

METHODS

Participants (n = 465) were treatment-seeking adult daily smokers. Relative indirect effects were subjected to bootstrap analyses to test direct and indirect effects of dysphoria on smoking processes.

RESULTS

After controlling for gender, nicotine dependence severity, drinking problems, cannabis use, negative affectivity, tobacco-related medical problems, and AIS, dysphoria remained directly, positively related to perceived barriers and cessation problems. Additionally, dysphoria was indirectly, positively related to perceived barriers, cessation problems, negative reinforcement smoking expectancies, and motivation to quit indirectly through higher levels of AIS.

CONCLUSION

In the context of dysphoria, AIS may explain a wide range of clinically-relevant smoking processes.

Cessation among state quitline participants with a mental health condition

INTRODUCTION

Telephone quitlines are an effective treatment option for tobacco cessation in the general population. Many participants who use quitline services have mental health conditions (MHC), yet few published studies have examined the use of quitline services in this population. This study examined the prevalence of MHC among state quitline participants and compared cessation outcomes among those with and without MHC.

METHODS

Demographic and tobacco use data were collected at enrollment and 7 months post-enrollment using standardized assessments for 10,720 eligible participants who enrolled in a state quitline between September, 2010 and August, 2012.

RESULTS

The prevalence of self-reported MHC was 19.8% (2,086/10,720 callers). The intent to treat quit rate for participants with a MHC was 16.4% compared to 21.5% for those without a MHC (p < .001), and the responder quit rate was 36.9% for those with a MHC compared to 44.4% for those without (p < .001). The adjusted odds ratio describing the association of MHC status and tobacco cessation was identical for both the intent-to-treat and responder populations, and indicated that participants with MHC were 23% less likely to quit (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified that participants with MHC accessed a state quitline, but were less likely to quit. The finding was independent of other factors influencing tobacco cessation, such as gender, race, and education. These findings indicate that although quitline services are an option for tobacco cessation among persons with MHC, further research is needed to determine why cessation rates are lower.

Toward a comprehensive developmental model of smoking initiation and nicotine dependence

BACKGROUND

This study aims to identify predictors of smoking initiation and nicotine dependence (ND) to develop a comprehensive risk-factor model based on Kendler's development model for major depression.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), Wave 2 (n=34,653). Risk factors were divided into five developmental tiers according to Kendler's model (childhood, early adolescence, late adolescence, adulthood, past-year). Hierarchical logistic regression models were built to predict the risk of smoking initiation and the risk of ND, given initiation. The continuation ratio (CR) was tested by ordinal logistic regression to examine whether the impact of the predictors was the same on smoking initiation or ND.

RESULTS

The final models highlighted the importance of different tiers for each outcome. The CR identified substantial differences in the predictors of smoking initiation versus ND. Childhood tier appears to be more determinant for smoking initiation while the effect of more distal tiers (i.e. childhood and early adolescence) was tempered by more proximal ones (i.e. late adolescence, adulthood and past-year) in ND, with few sex differences.

CONCLUSIONS

The differential effect of some predictors on each outcome shows the complexity of pathways from smoking initiation to ND. While some risk factors may be shared, others impact only at one stage or have even an inverse effect. An adaptation of Kendler's developmental model for major depression showed high predictive power for smoking initiation and ND.