Any smoker will be aware of the litany of physical health problems associated with the addiction. What they may not be aware of is the ramifications it can have on their psychological well-being.
Although smoking is generally seen as bad idea, most would agree that moderating your consumption is preferable to puffing your way through several packets a day.
Nevertheless, new research has revealed that a ten-a-day habit is sufficient to increase your chances of developing psychosis. The research found that smokers have a higher chance of suffering from hallucinations, delusions and serious mental conditions such as schizophrenia.
The researchers looked at data from 9,000 people from north of Finland who were born in 1986. In 2001, when the participants were aged 15 or 16, they were invited to engage in the secondary part of the study.
Subsequently, 6,081 of the original participants agreed to answer questions about alcohol and drug use as well as psychotic experiences. The research continued until the subjects turned 30.
The findings, which were published in the journal, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, revealed that both smoking and heavy smoking were linked with an increased risk of psychosis. In fact, the risk factor from smoking exists regardless of the participant’s use of alcohol and stimulants, previous psychotic experiences and family history of mental illness.
The researchers also found that individuals who started smoking at a young age were particularly at risk. So, it transpires that smoking is not only harmful to your physical health but may also damage your mental well-being.
