Regular and occasional smokers face the risk of suicide as compared to non-smokers. This has been observed in a study conducted by German researchers among people in Bavaria. The findings have been published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. The group was divided into non-smokers, occasional and regular smokers, who were aged between 14-24 years. Suicidal tendencies were higher among those who were dependent smokers and less among non-smokers. Among non-dependent smokers, it was fairly reasonable.
The team, led by Thomas Bronisch of the Max Planck Institute, also felt further research was necessary to establish the causative direct link between suicide and smoking. Yet they do hold the view that there is a link between the two.
Increased smoking led to more contemplation of suicide. It was felt that campaigns against suicide should also highlight the link between smoking and the risk of suicide. A limitation to the study was in the form of only contemplation of suicide, and the act not actually being committed. Let us understand further how smoking can heighten suicidal thoughts.
How Smoking is Linked With The Risk of Suicide?
- Some research has thrown light on nicotine depleting the pleasure- providing chemical in the brain known as serotonin. The risk could be higher among those who are genetically pre-disposed to it
- Research studies also show that tobacco contains anti-depressants compounds which may encourage depressed people to smoke
- Some studies have also shown that other factors such as alcohol consumption and low levels of psychological well-bring also contributed to smokers resorting to suicide contemplation
- The more one smoked, the greater the risk of suicidal contemplation
- Most of the smokers in the German research study contemplated suicide, but did not commit it
- Non-smokers did not contemplate suicide based upon the study by the German researchers
Smoking and suicide are interlinked. Nicotine dependent person may contemplate suicide. Further research is required to further strengthen the viewpoint that smokers can contemplate suicide.
