People who smoke appear to be more likely to suffer from depression, according to a new study by Spanish scientists.
Researchers at the University of Navarra, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Harvard School of Public Health analysed 8,556 university graduates with an average age of 42 to look for a link between smoking and depression.
The team, including first author Professor Almudena Sanchez-Villegas, found that smokers were 41 per cent more likely to develop depression than non-smokers.
Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez, director of the research project and chair professor of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, revealed: "Over the course of the tracking and data collection stage, 190 smokers who initially did not present depression were diagnosed with this disease by a doctor.
"In addition, 65 who were not diagnosed indicated that they were taking antidepressants during this period."
The researchers also noted that people who smoked tobacco were less likely to exercise during their free time.
Although many people with depression take anti-depressants, there are natural products that may help to ease symptoms, including St John's Wort and omega-3 fish oils.
People who smoke appear to be more likely to suffer from depression, according to a new study by Spanish scientists.
