Depression and Smoking in the U.S. Household Population Aged 20 and Over, 2005–2008

Depression is a chronic disease that often results in limitations in work, family, and social (1). Persons with depression have higher rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and more risk behaviors for these diseases, such as smoking, poor diet, or lack of exercise, than persons without depression (2).Since 1964, when the Surgeon General’s first Report on Smoking and Health was released (3), cigarette smoking among adults in the United States has been reduced by one-half. However, 21% of the adult population still smokes (4). Better understanding the characteristics of adults who continue to smoke and the relationship between smoking and depression may lead to improved tobacco cessation interventions (5)