The Impact Of Excessive Smoking On Mental Health

Smoking habit can not only cause various physical health complications ranging from heart to lungs, but also affect mental health. 

"Nicotine as a stimulant is associated with narrowing of blood vessels, disrupting blood flow to the peripheral parts of the body, and also to the brain," said Dr Sameer Malhotra, Senior Director and Head, Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, quoted in The Hindustan Times report, on Friday (21/3). 

According to him, smoking is also associated with the risk of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in blood vessels, restricting blood flow to various parts of the body. 

He explained that smoking also affects mental health in various significant ways, some of the impacts include: 

Anxiety and stress 

The lives of smokers are also affected emotionally as nicotine is associated with neurochemical disturbances in the brain (disturbed dopamine and norepinephrine levels) which are associated with anxiety, tremors, and significant stress-related disorders. 

Mood disorders 

Smoking habits can significantly increase levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause chronic inflammation that damages the blood-brain barrier (protective layer) and causes unwanted neuroinflammation related to cognitive and memory disorders, susceptibility to mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Disturbs sleep 

Nicotine, which is a stimulant, also makes it difficult for smokers to sleep at night. Smoking is associated with sleep disorders, and parasomnia 

Memory dysfunction 

Smoking increases carbon monoxide levels in the blood and affects oxygenation. As a result, people who are addicted to smoking will experience long-term memory dysfunction. 

In addition, people with schizophrenia (a severe mental disorder that affects behavior, emotions, and communication) tend to smoke excessively. 

Smoking improves concentration is also just a myth. This myth is often used as an excuse to smoke when you feel your concentration is low. In fact, excessive smoking can also have an impact on difficulty concentrating. 

Tag: Ental Health Nicotine Smoking