Teenagers who smoke are more likely to have symptoms of depression

(Baonghean.vn) – Scientists at the University of Montreal in Canada have just discovered that smoking can increase the risk of depressive symptoms in adolescents. The results of this study were published in the journal Addictive Behaviors.

More and more young people are smoking, especially minors. Photo: Internet

In their study, the researchers used a questionnaire to survey 662 adolescents in grades 7 to 11 about smoking. The schools where the students participated in the study were located in both urban and rural areas, in areas with different income levels. The study participants were divided into three groups, including: Those who have never smoked; those who smoke but do not use them to improve physical or mood problems; and those who smoke for the purpose of losing weight or relieving stress...

Children are easily influenced by TV shows, movies, the internet, advertising and often imitate their peers. Therefore, minors are the most vulnerable to the tobacco industry. They are not yet aware of the terrible effects of tobacco on health.

Furthermore, adolescents are not at the age to think about the later consequences such as cancer, emphysema, blindness and impotence caused by smoking. Up to 70% of smokers start experimenting with tobacco before they are 18 years old. Many start at 11 and some are addicted by 14. Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest rate of male smokers in the world. More and more young people are smoking, especially teenagers.

Depressive symptoms were measured using a scale that assessed whether participants had trouble sleeping, felt unhappy, sad or depressed, felt hopeless about the future, worried or tense, or worried about many things. Results showed that people who used tobacco as a mood enhancer were at higher risk of depressive symptoms than those who never smoked.

Previously, scientists at the University of Otago in New Zealand also discovered a link between smoking and the risk of depression. By examining the smoking habits and depressive symptoms of more than 1,000 volunteers, combined with a new technique called structural equation modeling, the study concluded that smoking doubles the risk of developing depressive symptoms.

Scientists added that nicotine in cigarettes changes and disrupts neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to an increased risk of depression in people dependent on nicotine./.

Thanh Son

(Synthetic)