Vaping, a habit shared by millions of Americans, has been linked to depression, according to new research. Australian researchers surveyed over 5,000 students aged 12 to 14, examining their mental health and e-cigarette usage. The study found that students with severe depression were more than twice as likely to have tried vaping compared to those without depression symptoms. While millions of U.S. adults and children are hooked on e-cigarettes, researchers have not yet established vaping as a direct cause of depression and anxiety. However, frequent vaping has been associated with mental health issues, including depression, suggesting a complex relationship where people may use e-cigarettes to cope with anxiety or depression, only to find themselves hooked and potentially exacerbating their mental health struggles.
The University of Sydney’s OurFutures Vaping Trial surveyed about 5,000 Australian students in years seven and eight (ages 12 to 14) to understand their vaping habits and mental health. The study found that 8.3% of the surveyed students had used e-cigarettes. Those reporting moderate stress were 74% more likely to vape, while students with high stress levels were 64% more likely to use e-cigarettes compared to their less stressed peers. Additionally, students with low well-being were 105% more likely to vape than those with high well-being.
Dr. Lauren Gardner, one of the lead researchers, emphasized the need for more research to explore the complex relationship between mental health and vaping. She stressed the importance of prevention and early intervention strategies, supported by evidence, to safeguard the short- and long-term health and well-being of young people.
Researchers have identified a growing connection between poor mental health and vaping. A study by the American Heart Association involving 2,505 teens found that 60% of nicotine-only vapers and dual vapers reported experiencing anxiety symptoms—such as worries, flashbacks, panic attacks, and situational anxieties—within the past week. This is significantly higher compared to the 40% of participants who had never vaped.
Similar links have been found between vaping and depression in adults. A 2019 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that the more frequently adults use e-cigarettes, the higher their odds of reporting depression. This body of research highlights the concerning relationship between vaping and mental health, indicating the need for further investigation and preventive measures.
The research highlights a concerning link between vaping and mental health issues. Daily vapers were found to have a 2.4 times higher likelihood of experiencing depression, while occasional users were 1.96 times more likely. Additionally, a 2019 report in *The Annals of Clinical Psychiatry* examined the mental health effects of vaping among young adults in college. The study revealed that those who used e-cigarettes were significantly more likely to have a history of mental health conditions such as ADHD, PTSD, gambling disorder, and anxiety. They were also more likely to report low self-esteem and exhibit impulsive behaviors. This growing body of evidence underscores the potential mental health risks associated with vaping, particularly among young adults.
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