Clinical Report: The Association Between Smoking and Suicidal Behavior in Depressed Adolescents

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between smoking and suicidal behavior in adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorders. Among 2,343 participants, current smokers exhibited significantly higher odds of suicidal behavior and self-harm compared to never smokers. The study utilized multivariable binary logistic regression models to analyze the data.

Background

Suicidal behavior and self-harm are critical public health issues among adolescents, particularly those with mood disorders. Understanding the factors associated with these behaviors is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. Smoking has been identified as a potential risk factor in various studies, yet its specific role in adolescents with depressive disorders remains underexplored.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The prevalence of self-harm among participants was 76.0%.
• The prevalence of suicidal behavior was 44.2%.
• Current smokers had 2.74 times higher odds of suicidal behavior compared to never smokers (OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.81–4.22, P<0.001).
• Past quitters had 2.32 times higher odds of suicidal behavior compared to never smokers (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.66–3.28, P<0.001).
• Current smoking was associated with a 2.31 times increased risk of self-harm (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.33–4.37, P = 0.006).
• Each additional year of education was associated with a 10% lower odds of self-harm (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81–1.00, P = 0.050).

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate a significant association between smoking status and increased risk for suicidal behavior and self-harm in adolescents with depressive disorders.

Conclusion

This study establishes a significant association between smoking and both suicidal behavior and self-harm in depressed adolescents.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- The association of different dimensions of anhedonia in the relationship between depressive symptoms and self-harm in adolescents with mood disorders
2. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), 2026 -- Examining the Association Between Internet Addiction and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Chinese Middle School Students: Prospective Cohort Study
3. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- METS-IR and SII as mediators in the association between smoking and depressive symptoms: insights from NHANES (2005–2018)
4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- A review of the scope of non-suicidal self-injury behavior in adolescents with depressive disorders: an analysis of related influencing factors
5. MMWR, Volume 75, Issue 24, 2026 -- CDC report on adolescent suicide attempts
6. Lifestyle Habits, Problem Behaviors and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies, 2026
7. MMWR, Volume 75, Issue 24 — June 25, 2026
8. Lifestyle Habits, Problem Behaviors and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies | Adolescent Research Review | Springer Nature Link