Increased Risk of Suicidal Ideation in Smokers and Former Smokers Compared to Never Smokers: Evidence From the Baltimore ECA Follow-Up Study

In this study, the age-adjusted incidence of suicide ideation was highest among current smokers, followed by former, then never smokers. The adjusted hazard for suicide ideation was 2.22 & 1.19 for current & former smokers, respectively, compared to never smokers. Results indicate that current smokers have increased risks of suicide ideation above & beyond the risk for never & former smokers regardless of age, gender, history of depressive disorder or anxiety symptoms, & alcohol abuse/dependence. Smoking cessation might be beneficial for some suicide prevention efforts. (56 refs.) JA