More than 41% of the risk of depression in smokers

The risk of depression among smokers increased by 41% compared to non-smokers. This is the conclusion of a study with 8,556 participants of scientists from Navarra University, collaborating with the University of Palmas de Gran Canaria and Harvard Medical School (USA).

The article whose first author was Professor Almudena Sa1nchez-Villegas, relied on a 6-year study on university graduates at an average age of 42. Through the follow-up process and the data collection phase, Miguel Ángel Martínez-González - research director, and professor of the Ministry of Public Health and Preventive Medicine - said:

'190 smokers who initially did not show depression were diagnosed with this disease by a doctor. In addition, 65 people diagnosed without the disease said they were taking antidepressants during this time. '

Among the mechanisms that elucidate this relationship, he aims to allocate genes and / or environments - this will increase his ability to maintain his smoking habits, and smokers will experience depression as a independent problem.

(Photo: uoguelph.ca)

Reduce physical activity

In addition, the article also showed that those who quit more than a decade ago were less likely to develop depression than those who had never smoked.

In addition, the researchers noted that increasing smoking correlates with a reduction in physical activity during the free time of smokers.