Anxiety, Depression, and Attention Deficit Levels and Their Relationship with Smoking Addiction in People Applying to Smoking Cessation Outpatient Clinic

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the presence of depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their relationship with smoking, smoking cessation attempts, and addiction levels in people applying to a smoking cessation outpatient clinic.

Methods: A total of 158 patients, 86 men and 72 women, who applied to the smoking cessation outpatient clinic were evaluated in terms of their sociodemographic data, Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test results, Beck Anxiety and Depression Scale results, and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale results.

Results: The most common reason for beginning to smoke was peer pressure (38%) followed by stress and sadness (36.7%). The most common reasons for quitting smoking were health concerns and financial difficulties, with doctor’s advice coming in the last place. Anxiety was observed in 53.2%, depression in 41.8%, and ADHD in 3.89% of the participants. There was a positive correlation between the level of anxiety and depression and the level of smoking dependence and a negative correlation between the level of anxiety and ADHD and the length of time it took to quit.

Conclusion: Since anxiety and depression are associated with smoking addiction, and anxiety and ADHD symptoms affect the duration of abstinence after quitting, psychiatric evaluation and interventions are required.

Cite this article as: İnaltekin A, Perinçek G, Yağcı İ. Anxiety, depression, and attention deficit levels and their relationship with smoking addiction in people applying to smoking cessation outpatient clinic. Published online August 28, 2024. doi:10.5152/ABCR.2024.23203.