Depression and depressive symptoms in smoking cessation

Interaction between the serotonin transporter gene and neuroticism in cigarette smoking behavior

“…Specifically, they found that neuroticism was linked to increased smoking for stimulation, smoking to reduce negative affect, and nicotine intake and dependence in smokers with 5-HTTLPR-S genotypes but not in individuals with 5-HTTLPR-L genotypes. 37 Because self-medication smoking and nicotine dependence are well known predictors of difficulty in quitting smoking, [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]22 Lerman et al's results support our finding of a gene-personality interaction for smoking cessation. The combined results of the two studies suggest that individuals with a poorly expressed serotonin transporter gene and high neuroticism have a roughly average chance of initiating smoking, but that once they have started they are at increased risk of becoming addicted to nicotine and therefore find it more difficult to quit.…”

“…[11][12][13] Moreover major depression, which is a clinical correlate of high neuroticism, has been linked to an inability to stop smoking and relapse into smoking in both cross-sectional and prospective studies. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] In attempting to explain the association between neuroticism and smoking, it was originally proposed either that depressed individuals smoke to relieve negative mood 19 or that smoking cessation leads to depression. 16,21 However, a study of 1566 female twins found that the association was predominantly due to common familial factors, most likely genetic, that predisposed individuals to both traits.…”

“…[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] In attempting to explain the association between neuroticism and smoking, it was originally proposed either that depressed individuals smoke to relieve negative mood 19 or that smoking cessation leads to depression. 16,21 However, a study of 1566 female twins found that the association was predominantly due to common familial factors, most likely genetic, that predisposed individuals to both traits. 20 The serotonin transporter, which is encoded by a single gene (SLC6A4) on chromosome 17q12, regulates the magnitude and duration of serotonergic signaling by governing the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic junction.…”

The effect of chewing gum on tobacco withdrawal

“…Because craving is one of the most common and reliable effects of tobacco abstinence (Hughes & Hatsukami, 1986), and it has been shown that craving can be a predictor in relapse (Covey, Glassman, & Stetner, 1990) it seems only fitting that smoking cessation programs target this symptom. This study suggested that smokers who chew gum when they do not have access to cigarettes report significantly less craving than smokers who do not chew gum.…”

“…Craving is one of the most common and reliable effects of tobacco abstinence (Hughes & Hatsukami, 1986), and it has been shown that craving can be a predictor in relapse (Covey, Glassman, & Stetner, 1990). Lastly, due to the larger variety of environmental cues for smoking compared with other substances of abuse, craving for tobacco may be more prevalent than it is for other drugs of abuse.…”