Impact of Smoking on Mental Illness

Background: Tobacco use is a major health risk linked to chronic diseases like COPD, stroke, coronary heart disease, and lung cancer, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Smokers with mental illnesses have a significantly higher prevalence, with conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder showing elevated smoking rates. The relationship between smoking and mental health is complex, as smoking both alleviates and worsens mental health, necessitating targeted intervention strategies. Aim of the study: This study aims to investigate the impact of smoking on mental illness, focusing on its effects on the prevalence, severity, and progression of psychiatric disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study, conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Medical College for Womens and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2024 to December 2024, aimed to assess the impact of smoking on mental health disorders. A total of 110 participants, 55 smokers and 55 non-smokers, were included. Inclusion criteria were adults aged 18–50 years with no severe physical illnesses or major cognitive impairments. Exclusion criteria included substance abuse or unrelated psychiatric disorders. Demographic data were collected via a structured questionnaire. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Depression Severity Index, and Quality of Life Score. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Result: The study found no significant differences in age and BMI between smokers and non-smokers (p=0.301, p=0.089). However, smokers had a higher proportion of males (78.18%) and were more likely to have primary education (54.55%) and be separated/divorced/widowed (45.45%). Smokers showed higher rates of depression (45.45% vs. 20.00%, OR: 2.12), anxiety (38.18% vs 14.55%, OR: 2.30), insomnia (27.27% vs 9.09%, OR: 2.37), and substance use disorder (23.64% vs 5.45%, OR: 4.83), ...