The Authors’ Own Words: Effectiveness of pharmacological or psychological interventions for smoking cessation in smokers with major depression or depressive symptoms. A systematic review of the literature

The Authors’ Own Words:

We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Effectiveness of pharmacological or psychological interventions for smoking cessation in smokers with major depression or depressive symptoms. A systematic review of the literature

Giulia A. Aldi, PsyD; Giuly Bertoli, PhD; Francesca Ferraro, PsyD; Aldo Pezzuto, MD; & Fiammetta Cosci, MD, MSc, PhD

Substance Abuse Vol. 39, Iss. 3, 2018

“On the basis of the present manuscript clinicians may find some guidelines on how to treat depressed patient who smoke and ask to quit. Among individuals with current MDD, transdermal nicotine replacement treatment (21 mg), varenicline (1 mg twice daily), or Stage Care Intervention were more effective than placebo. Among individuals with current DS, nicotine gum (2 or 4 mg) was more effective than placebo, and fluoxetine (20 mg/die) plus nicotine (21 mg, than tapered) was more effective than fluoxetine alone. Among individuals with severe current DS, nicotine inhaler plus fluoxetine (20 mg) or naltrexone (50 mg/die)²³ were shown to be more effective than placebo, although naltrexone was less tolerated than placebo due to nausea. Among individuals with past MDD, no mono-pharmacotherapies showed to be more effective than placebo while Cognitive Behavioural Therapy showed efficacy. However, more research is needed into effectively addressing smoking in people with concurrent mental disorder. Indeed, data available on the treatment of individuals who smoke and are diagnosed with current MDD or DS as well as of individuals who smoke and are diagnosed with past MDD are poor and meta-analyses include heterogenous studies.”