New study: E-cigarette use linked to prior mental illness diagnosis among college students

U.S. college students reporting a mental illness diagnosis within the past year had a 33% higher risk of currently using e-cigarettes when compared to those without past-year mental health conditions, according to research from Truth Initiative published in the American Journal of Health Promotion.

The strongest associations between past year mental illness diagnosis and current e-cigarette use were found for schizophrenia, substance use/addiction, bipolar disorder, bulimia, and attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Although this study finds strong associations between mental health illness diagnosis and e-cigarette use among college students, it cannot be determined from this data whether one causes the other. Findings suggest that efforts to improve mental health among young people could also help to curb or reduce e-cigarette use, according to researchers.

College kids walking on campusThis study builds on a growing body of research on the connections between nicotine use and mental health. Nicotine use has been found to harm developing brains and may make young people more susceptible to addiction. Additionally, nicotine addiction may worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Few studies to date have examined the relationship between e-cigarette use and mental illness symptoms and diagnoses beyond depression and anxiety.

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