Teen smoking ‘leads to depression in adult life’

Teenagers who smoke face a greater risk of developing depression in later life, according to a new study.

Since the brain continue to develop throughout adolescence, the researchers theorize that nicotine may negatively influence these systems resulting in altered functionality later in life.

This study is unique because it is the first one to show that nicotine exposure early in life can have long-term neurobiological consequences evidenced in mood disorders. In addition, the study indicates that even brief exposure to nicotine increases risk for mood disorders later in life,” he added

The study is published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.