Smoking linked to depression
Posted Aug 2, 2011 1:16 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Scientists believe the heavier you smoke, the more depressed you may become.
That’s according to new research from the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health which is calling it good news for those trying to quit.
The survey finds a link in the brain protein MAOA with clinical depression and mood.
Senior scientist Dr. Jeffrey Meyer says the protein eats up chemicals like seratonin.
He says the discovery is positive news for those wanting to kick the habit.
“They could take a medication temporarily to shut down this MAOA protein as a way to help with quitting cigarette smoking. So there are a lot of good implications that come from it,” says Meyer.
Meyer says they’ve identified the protein as a target to shut down during the early critical stage but it will require further study.
