Treatment of Tobacco Use Disorder and Mood Disorders in Adolescents

Abstract

To update the literature on treatment of tobacco use in the context of comorbid mood disorders among adolescents, focusing on the last 5 years (2013–2017). We review tobacco use prevalence, the association between adolescent tobacco use and mood disorders, and interventions for adolescent tobacco users and those with concurrent mood disorders. Advances were made in behavioral treatments for adolescent tobacco users, but minimal research focused on innovative approaches such as social media, family-based approaches or alternative therapies. There is a dearth of research on adolescents with comorbid mood disorders. Few studies targeted diverse populations. Minimal research was conducted within this patient cohort using nicotine/tobacco products other than cigarette smoking. Research has not been done to clarify the role of depression/mood severity on treatment outcomes. Current gaps in the tobacco treatment science for adolescents with mood disorders are highlighted and directions for future research offered.