Smoking and depression: an examination of mechanisms of comorbidity.
OBJECTIVE
Although the association between depression and smoking has been consistently established, little evidence regarding the mechanisms that influence this association is currently available. The present study evaluates alternate familial mechanisms of comorbidity between depression and smoking.


METHODS
Probands from a case-control family study were selected from outpatient specialty clinics or through a random-digit dialing procedure. A total of 133 probands and 273 directly interviewed, first-degree relatives of the probands were included in the present analyses.


RESULTS
The pattern of cross-aggregation of heavy smoking and depression differed according to the subtype of depressive disorder. There was evidence of a shared etiology between dysthymia and heavy smoking, whereas major and double depression did not demonstrate a shared vulnerability with heavy smoking.


CONCLUSIONS
This report contributes to the present sparse evidence regarding the mechanisms involved in the etiology of smoking and depressive disorders and highlights the need for greater attention to this issue through genetic epidemiological study methods.
Dierker
Lisa C
LC
Department of Psychology, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA. ldierker@wesleyan.edu
Avenevoli
Shelli
S
Stolar
Marilyn
M
Merikangas
K R
KR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000453:epidemiology; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010641:Phenotype; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics