A history of depression and smoking cessation outcomes among women concerned about post-cessation weight gain.

Because a history of depression has been hypothesized to affect cessation efforts and may be particularly problematic for women concerned about weight gain, we sought to document the prevalence of depression history among weight-concerned women smokers and evaluate its effect on treatment outcome. We also evaluated the impact of baseline depressive symptoms and cessation-related changes in symptoms. Women (N = 219) were classified as depression history positive (Major Depressive Disorder [MDD]) (MDD+) or negative (MDD-) according to responses on the Inventory to Diagnose Depression-Lifetime Version. All women received a group-based smoking cessation treatment. Women provided expired-air carbon monoxide samples, completed measures of depressive symptoms, and were weighed at pretreatment and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after quitting. Fifty-two per cent (n = 115) reported a lifetime history of major depressive disorder. Although MDD+ women were significantly more nicotine dependent, rates of continuous abstinence did not differ between MDD+ and MDD- women. However, MDD+ women were more likely to drop out of treatment prior to quitting. Additionally, depressive symptoms were associated with abstinence irrespective of depression history. Women who reported an increase in depressive symptoms from pre- to post-treatment were significantly less likely to be abstinent post-treatment, suggesting that depressive symptoms are more predictive of outcome than is previous disorder. Moreover, because of the prevalence of depression history among this subgroup of women smokers and its impact on early attrition, additional engagement and retention strategies may be useful.