Behavioural activation for smoking cessation and depression: a case report.

Abstract

Smoking is the leading risk factor for quality of life, as well as for physical and psychological health. In fact, research has shown that tobacco use is closely related to depression. We present the assessment and intervention to quit smoking of a 49-year-old woman with depression and with a daily consumption of 15 cigarettes. A cognitive-behavioral intervention to quit smoking was applied with behavioral activation components for mood management. This intervention was carried out in eight individual sessions. At the end of the intervention, the participant quit smoking and remained abstinent at the follow-ups conducted throughout one year. She also showed a notable improvement in depressive symptomatology at short and long term after quitting. In conclusion, this intervention approach could be considered an adequate option to aid in the smoking cessation process and also to improve depressive symptoms, which implies a better quality of life and health.