Smoking Cessation in Individuals with Depression

Current, historical and subclinical depression have been linked to a high incidence of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation relapse. This review discusses the efficacy, suitability and other treatment issues involved in using nicotine replacement therapy, antidepressant treatment and cognitive-behavioural interventions to help depressed smokers quit smoking. It is recommended that prior to choosing a smoking cessation treatment regimen, assessment should be made of: (i) current and past history of depression; (ii) nicotine dependency; and (iii) other risk factors (e.g. family history of depression, past difficulty in quitting) for relapse. For those individuals who are highly nicotine de…