How does smokeless tobacco (snus) impact mental health?

Smokeless tobacco usage, in contrast to cigarette smoking, is linked to a certain subset of psychiatric problems, according to a study published in PLoS One. Different psychiatric illnesses are associated with the type of smokeless tobacco use, such as panic disorder and particular phobia for chewing tobacco users and cannabis use disorder for snuff users.

The study also discovered a previously unreported link between inhalant or solvent use disorder and chewing tobacco exclusivity. All forms of smokeless tobacco usage were discovered to be related to alcohol consumption disorder. The study recommends concentrating prevention and treatment efforts on psychiatric illnesses among users of smokeless tobacco.

Relationship between smokeless tobacco use and psychiatric disorders

A study published in the Society for the Study of Addiction, states that the use of smokeless tobacco has been linked to psychiatric problems. Mania/hypomania and particular personality disorders have both been connected to snuff usage, both exclusively and in combination with chewing tobacco.

According to the study, the use of smokeless tobacco of any kind was linked to antisocial personality disorder and substance use disorders. The use of only chewing tobacco was connected to panic disorder and particular phobia. The study recommends focusing treatment on particular psychiatric illnesses among smokeless tobacco users, such as cannabis use disorder, panic disorder, panic attacks, specific phobias, and alcohol use disorder.

Smoking cessation among individuals with psychiatric illnesses

A meta-analysis found reductions in measures of anxiety and depression after smoking cessation, with an effect size at least as great as that for antidepressant treatments and a similar effect size in both the general population and populations with psychiatric disorders.

Although the reasons for this are undoubtedly complex, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that a large proportion of mental professionals hold a negative attitude toward smoking cessation among psychiatric patients, believing that “patients are not interested in quitting” or “quitting smoking is too much for patients to take on,” and indicating a lack of training and time to help patients with their smoking reduction efforts. This is undoubtedly an area that would benefit from further attention.

The mental health benefits of quitting smoking

When people stop smoking, studies show:

• Anxiety, depression, and stress levels are lower.
• Quality of life and positive mood improve.
• The dosage of some medicines used to treat mental health problems can be reduced.

Head to the next article to get expert tips on how to quit smoking

Source: www.nhs.uk, www.mentalhealth.org.uk, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, www.purdue.edu, www.who.int, www.medicalnewstoday.com, www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com