A study from Finland states that depressed boys are 20 per cent more likely to smoke at age 18 and 40 per cent more likely to be heavy smokers. Researchers tracked over 2,000 boys born in 1981. Boys who showed signs of hyperactivity were 20 to 30 per cent more likely to smoke regularly, whereas boys with emotional problems at age 8 were actually 10 per cent less likely to smoke. When asked to speculate on the findings the lead author, Dr.Solja Niemela, felt that shy and withdrawn boys would be less likely to experiment with cigarettes later in life.
Such findings add to the developing body of knowledge that suggests early childhood experiences may increase the chances of health-risk behaviors later in life.
Related Information
Niemela et al, Solja . "Depressed Boys More Likely to Smoke as Adults." John Hopkins Medicine. 25 May 2006. American Psychiatric Association, annual meeting. 7 Nov 2006
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