Objectives: We examined the association between regular cigarette smoking and new onset of mood and anxiety disorders.
Methods: We used logistic regression analysis to detect associations between regular smoking and new-onset disorders during the 3-year follow-up among 34 653 participants in the longitudinal US National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (2001-2005). We used instrumental variable methods to assess the appropriateness of these models.
Results: Regular smoking was associated with an increased risk of new onset of mood and anxiety disorders in multivariable analyses (Fdf = 5,61 = 11.73; P < .001). Participants who smoked a larger number of cigarettes daily displayed a trend toward greater likelihood of new-onset disorders. Age moderated the association of smoking with most new-onset disorders. The association was mostly statistically significant and generally stronger in participants aged 18 to 49 years but was smaller and mostly nonsignificant in older adults.
Conclusions: Our finding of a stronger association between regular cigarette smoking and increased risk of new-onset mood and anxiety disorders among younger adults suggest the need for vigorous antismoking campaigns and policy initiatives targeting this age group.