Depression after smoking cessation: case reports.
BACKGROUND
Cigarette smokers with a history of major depression are at risk for developing depressive mood when they attempt cessation. Whether cessation can also provoke more severe depressions, however, has not been well documented.


METHODS
Six case reports of severe depressive episodes after smoking cessation are described.


RESULTS
Four cases occurred among smokers with a history of major depression but who were not depressed at the time of cessation. Two cases involved smokers with no previous history of major depression. Variability in both the timing and the outcome of the postcessation depressions was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk that depressive states may emerge or be exacerbated after smoking cessation, particularly in patients with a history of major depression, must be kept in mind in the treatment of nicotine dependence.
Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, NY 10032, USA.
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Glassman
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Covey
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000150:complications