A New Zealand study indicates a cause-and-effect link between nicotine addiction and the mental affliction known as depression.

The study, which evaluated 1200 people born in 1977 for nearly a quarter of a century, found that those individuals who reported at least five symptoms of nicotine dependence demonstrated depressive symptoms that were more than twice as high as those of individuals who were free of the addiction.

Professor David Ferguson of Otago University at Christchurch who led the study said that the presence of nicotine may cause neurotransmitter activity to change in the brain, leading to an increased risk of the mental affliction.

Our heartfelt thanks, Professor Ferguson and associates for your detailed work in revealing this valued information.

May the knowledge of nicotine’s damaging mental as well as physical effects inspire more and more people toward the vitality of a tobacco-free life.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10649031
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/health/1063274/smoking-not-good-for-mental-health