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A whopping 44% of all cigarettes in the US are smoked by people with a diagnosed mental illness. That number comes from "Smoking and Mental Illness" by Karen Lasser, MD et al; JAMA Vol. 284 No. 20.

And the number is probably even higher today. More and more people quit smoking, since it is no longer socially acceptable. Currently only 20% of US adults smoke, down from about 50% in the 50s and 60s.

People who have mental illnesses smoke at a rate of 50 to 80 percent, compared with less than 20 percent of the general population. These high-risk people also smoke many more cigarettes a day than a regular smoker -- often three packs. Furthermore, smokers with mental illness are much more likely to smoke their cigarettes right down to the filters.

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Mental illness... Why am I not surprised?

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A whopping 44% of all cigarettes in the US are smoked by people with a diagnosed mental illness. That number comes from "Smoking and Mental Illness" by Karen Lasser, MD et al; JAMA Vol. 284 No. 20.

And the number is probably even higher today. More and more people quit smoking, since it is no longer socially acceptable. Currently only 20% of US adults smoke, down from about 50% in the 50s and 60s.

People who have mental illnesses smoke at a rate of 50 to 80 percent, compared with less than 20 percent of the general population. These high-risk people also smoke many more cigarettes a day than a regular smoker -- often three packs.

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The statistic makes sense. Thry're not just talking about full on crazies like Gunker. They're including people like those with prozac prescritions or who go to AA meetings.

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Mental illness... Why am I not surprised?

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A whopping 44% of all cigarettes in the US are smoked by people with a diagnosed mental illness. That number comes from "Smoking and Mental Illness" by Karen Lasser, MD et al; JAMA Vol. 284 No. 20.

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But what qualifies as a "Mental Illness" in this study?
Stress? Minor depression? Dyslexia? ADD? How low was the bar set?

That's like saying 78% of all blonds have eaten gelatin. It's a non-fact without all the stated conditions.

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Furthermore, smokers with mental illness are much more likely to smoke their cigarettes right down to the filters.

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As opposed to who? Non-smokers? Or the perverbial "Sane" smoker?

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This is the difference between a published study in a peer reviewed medical journal and some jerk-off article in your local home-town paper written by the same idiot that usually covers local girl scout troop meetings.

All of your answers are included in the article. It won't be available for free for a few months. All medical information is not the same. While JAMA isn't considered on the same level of NEJM, it still is a legitimate, professional journal and that info should be well described.

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Fair enough. I can wait for more info. Could be interesting.