Vaping & Smoking Linked to Teen Anxiety & Depression: Study

Teenagers who use both e-cigarettes (vapes) and conventional cigarettes are at a greater risk of developing mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, according to a large-scale study published in July in the scientific journal PLOS Mental Health by scientists at West Virginia University. The research underscores the significant psychological risks associated with nicotine use during adolescence.

The study evaluated data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey, collected between 2021 and 2023 from over 60,000 U.S. elementary and high school students. The findings revealed a clear correlation between nicotine product use and mental health symptoms:

• Non-smokers: 21.8% reported depression symptoms; 26.4% reported anxiety symptoms.
• Regular Cigarette Smokers: Rates rose to 35% for depression and 38% for anxiety.
• E-Cigarette Users: Rates were slightly higher at 36% for depression and 40.5% for anxiety.
• Dual Users (Both Cigarettes and Vapes): This group had the highest rates, with 43.5% reporting depression symptoms and 42.5% reporting anxiety symptoms – nearly double the rates of non-smokers.

Psychiatrist Luiz Zoldan of Einstein Hospital Israelita noted that while the link between cigarettes and mental disorders is known, this study is significant due to its large sample size and specific data on vape use in adolescents. He cautioned that the research shows a correlation, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship; it’s unclear if tobacco use causes the symptoms or if individuals with these symptoms are more prone to using tobacco.

Health experts warn that nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, affecting mood regulation, memory, and cognitive functions. The modern appearance and sweet flavors of e-cigarettes can mask the sensation of smoking, facilitating excessive use and increasing addiction risk. The study also found an association between heavy social media use (at least three hours a day) and a higher likelihood of smoking. These findings reinforce the need for educational and prevention initiatives to protect the mental and physical health of young people.