PA Guidance Paper on Tobacco Dependence and Smoking Cessation

Abstract

Tobacco dependence is the most common substance use disorder in adults with mental illness. The prevalence rates for tobacco dependence are two to four times higher in these patients than in the general population. Smoking has a strong, negative influence on the life expectancy and quality of life of mental health patients, and remains the leading preventable cause of death in this group. Despite these statistics, in some countries smokers with mental illness are disadvantaged in receiving intervention and support for their tobacco dependence, which is often overlooked or even tolerated. This statement from the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) systematically reviews the current evidence on tobacco dependence and withdrawal in patients with mental illness and their treatment. It provides seven recommendations for the core components of diagnostics and treatment in this patient group. These recommendations concern: (1) the recording process, (2) the timing of the intervention, (3) counselling specificities, (4) proposed treatments, (5) frequency of contact after stopping, (6) follow-up visits and (7) relapse prevention. They aim to help clinicians improve the care, health and well being of patients suffering from mental illness.

Disclosure of interest

In the last three years, HJM received honoraria for lectures or for advisory activities by the following pharmaceutical companies: Lilly, Lundbeck, Servier, Schwabe and Bayer.

He was president or in the Executive Board of the following organisations: CINP, ECNP, WFSBP, EPA and chairman of the WPA-section on Pharmacopsychiatry.