Transdermal nicotine attenuates depression symptoms in nonsmokers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Despite established links between nicotine dependence and depression, little research has examined the effects of nicotine on depression symptoms.


OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the acute and chronic effects of transdermal nicotine in nonsmokers with baseline depression symptoms during a 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Nonsmokers with scores >or=10 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D) were recruited from the community. Mood and cognitive performance were measured at baseline (day 0) and at 1, 8, 21, and 28 days. Participants were randomly assigned to wear a placebo or nicotine patch for 4 weeks (3.5 mg/day during weeks 1 and 4; 7 mg/day during weeks 2 and 3). The final sample consisted of 11 nonsmokers with a mean baseline CES-D score of 27.36 (SD=10.53).


RESULTS
Salivary nicotine levels indicated the majority of participants were compliant with treatment. Acute nicotine did not alter mood. After adjusting for baseline values, chronic nicotine resulted in a significant decline in CES-D scores at day 8 (3.5 mg/day), but returned to placebo levels by the last visit. This return to baseline levels was coincident with a decrease in nicotine administration from 7 to 3.5 mg/day. A similar trend for improved response inhibition as measured by the Conners Continuous Performance Task was also observed. Reported side effects were infrequent and minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest a role for nicotinic receptor systems in the pathophysiology of depression and that nicotinic compounds should be evaluated for treating depression symptoms.
McClernon
F Joseph
FJ
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. mccle011@mc.duke.edu
Hiott
F Berry
FB
Westman
Eric C
EC
Rose
Jed E
JE
Levin
Edward D
ED
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists; D009538:Nicotine