OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the incidence and predictors of major
depression following successful smoking cessation treatment, with special
attention to the influence of past major depression. METHOD: Three-month
follow-up data were obtained from 126 subjects who successfully completed a
10-week smoking cessation program. RESULTS: The 3-month incidence of new
major depression following treatment for nicotine dependence was 2%, 17%,
and 30% among subjects with histories of no major depression, single major
depression, and recurrent major depression, respectively. A history of
major depression and persistent withdrawal symptoms independently predicted
posttreatment major depression. CONCLUSIONS: Continued patient care beyond
the 2-4-week period associated with the nicotine withdrawal syndrome is
indicated when abstinence is attempted by smokers with prior major
depression.Abstract Teaser