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Smoking Linked to Suicidal Thoughts

Do troubled people smoke, or does it work in reverse?

By Lucas Laursen, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 9, 2008 9:56 PM CST

(Newser) – Young smokers think about suicide at higher rates than non-smokers, researchers have discovered. Nearly 15% of non-smokers reported suicidal thoughts, compared with 20% of casual smokers and 30% of addicted smokers, according to the study in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Researchers could not determine whether smoking was a cause or effect of suicidal thoughts. Nobody committed suicide during the four-year study.

Some studies have pointed to personality traits like impulsiveness and aggression that may make people likelier to smoke—and attempt suicide. Others have suggested that tobacco may have antidepressant properties that attract depressed people to smoking. Research also suggests that nicotine may rob the body of the pleasure-giving brain chemical serotonin.

(Shutterstock)

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Smoking Linked to Suicidal Thoughts

Do troubled people smoke, or does it work in reverse?

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Only friends, family knew of the writer's emotional state

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Also at higher risk for depression, anxiety

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Smoking Linked to Suicidal Thoughts

Do troubled people smoke, or does it work in reverse?

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

suicide • depression • antidepressant • smoking • addiction • teen health • teenager

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Depression Screening for All Teens Worries Parents

Task force calls for adolescent testing with focus on psychotherapy instead of drugs

Depression Killed David Foster Wallace

Only friends, family knew of the writer's emotional state

Talk About 'Blue Monday'

Tracking Google searches shows low point before, not after, holidays

Teen Smokers More Likely to Drink, Do Drugs: Study

Also at higher risk for depression, anxiety

More US Kids, Young Adults Commiting Suicide

Rate rises most sharply among teen girls

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?