Smokers who believe their habit relieves stress and depression are mistaken, according to new research.
Experts found that quitting smoking can be just as effective in tackling depression and anxiety as taking antidepressants.
Experts found that quitting smoking can be just as effective in tackling depression and anxiety as taking antidepressants.
Researchers said the effect of quitting was the same, if not bigger, than for the tablets.
The team, from the universities of Birmingham, Oxford, and King’s College London, analysed 26 studies for their research.
Writing online in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), they said they found people who quit smoking experienced a significant drop in anxiety, depression and stress.
The effect was the same among the general population of smokers as those with a diagnosed mental health problem.
