shot-button
E-paper E-paper
Home > Lifestyle News > Health And Fitness News > Article > Smokers at higher suicide risk Study

Smokers at higher suicide risk: Study

Updated on: 17 July,2014 03:05 PM IST  | 
IANS |

 Irrespective of whether they are suffering from psychiatric disorders or not, cigarette smokers are more likely to commit suicide than people who do not smoke, a study shows

Smokers at higher suicide risk: Study

Washington:  Irrespective of whether they are suffering from psychiatric disorders or not, cigarette smokers are more likely to commit suicide than people who do not smoke, a study shows.



Pic for representation purpose only


Researchers at Washington University's school of medicine in St Louis found that smoking itself may increase suicide risk and that policies to limit smoking reduce suicide rates.


"Suicide rates declined up to 15 percent in US states that implemented higher taxes on cigarettes and stricter policies to limit smoking in public places," said lead researcher Richard A Grucza, an associate professor of psychiatry from Washington University.

The results showed that each dollar increase in cigarette taxes was associated with a 10 percent decrease in suicide risk.

"Indoor smoking bans also were associated with risk reductions," Grucza added.

Using statistical methods, researchers compared rates of suicide in states with stricter tobacco policies to rates in states with more lenient laws and lower taxes.

They also determined whether people who had committed suicide were likely to have smoked.

They learned that suicide risk among people most likely to smoke was associated with policies related to tobacco taxes and smoking restrictions.

Grucza now wants e-cigarettes to come under scanner which deliver nicotine but release vapour rather than smoke.

Nicotine is a plausible candidate for explaining the link between smoking and suicide risk, Grucza said.

Like any other addictive drug, people start using nicotine to feel good, but eventually they need it to feel normal.

"And as with other drugs, its chronic use can contribute to depression or anxiety, and that could help to explain the link to suicide," he concluded in a paper published online in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK