Research continues to produce evidence of a link between depression
and smoking. Individuals with current or historical depressive disorders
and depressive symptoms, are overrepresented among those seeking treatment
for smoking cessation. Findings on smoking cessation reflect both the difficulties depressed people experience when quitting and their sustained
abstinence. In Spain, current research regarding smoking and
depression has centered in studies of the relation between smoking and
depressive symptoms. Smokers report higher depressive symptoms than
those who do not smoke. Relapse rates are higher among those who
show more depressive symptoms. These symptoms influence efficacy at
the end of the treatment and subsequent 12-month follow-up. Also, an
abrupt reduction in the consumption of cigarettes could cause major
depression. Findings suggest that current smokers in Spain may be experiencing
others psychiatric disorders than those related to nicotine.