Patients may benefit from combination of smoking cessation and PTSD treatment

By Staff Writer

The National Institute of Mental Health reported that approximately 7.7 million Americans, 18 and older, suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the results of a recent study indicated that combining treatment for this condition with a smoking cessation program may lead to a higher rate of nicotine abstinence.

In the study, which appeared in the December 8 issue of JAMA, researchers recruited and then analyzed smokers with military-related PTSD from 10 Veterans Affairs medical centers. The participants were then divided into two separate treatment groups.

Of the two study groups, the first received smoking cessation treatment integrated within PTSD mental health care from clinicians. The second was referred to Veterans Affairs smoking cessation clinics.

It was found that individuals who received integrated care had a prolonged smoking abstinence rate compared to those who were given referrals. In addition, members of the first study group attended more cessation sessions, and were more likely to use medications promoting an end to their nicotine dependence.

These findings led researchers to believe that including cessation assistance can lead to more effective PTSD treatment.

According to the National Institute of Health, there is a greater incidence of cigarette smoking among veterans with PTSD, than those without the disorder.