A recent study conducted by the University of Bath, supported by Cancer Research UK and released on No Smoking Day 2025, has revealed that incorporating smoking cessation support into NHS Talking Therapies for those with depression and anxiety significantly enhances the likelihood of quitting. This approach addresses the disproportionately high smoking rates among this demographic. The study, led by Dr Gemma Taylor and in collaboration with researchers from various institutions, was published in Addiction. It indicates that integrating smoking cessation into mental health treatments does not detract from therapeutic effectiveness; instead, it provides a comprehensive approach to improving both mental and physical health simultaneously.
The research occurred across four NHS trusts in the Midlands, London, and the South-west of England between 2019 and 2021. It specifically tested the integration of smoking cessation support with NHS-funded Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) aimed at managing depression and anxiety. The study divided 135 participants into two groups: one received 12 sessions of smoking cessation support integrated within their CBT sessions, and the other received standard CBT with post-treatment smoking cessation information. Follow-up assessments were conducted at three and six months to evaluate engagement, satisfaction, changes in smoking habits, and mental health outcomes.
The results were particularly striking at the six-month follow-up, where the group receiving integrated treatment showed a quit rate of 15%, which is significantly higher than the 6% observed in the control group. This outcome is notable when compared to a Cochrane review’s findings, which showed an 8.8% quit rate for standard smoking cessation treatments among those with depression. The results from this study, known as the ESCAPE trial, suggest that the integration of CBT can nearly double these quit rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining these treatments.
These findings have substantial implications for public health, particularly mental health care. Researchers believe that this study could lead to broader implementation of smoking cessation supports within mental health services. Therapists involved in the study reported that the integrated approach not only helped patients quit smoking but also improved their overall psychological and physical well-being.
Dr Gemma Taylor emphasized the transformative potential of the study, noting that people with depression and anxiety are twice as likely to smoke, and quitting can significantly enhance both their physical and mental health. She pointed out that this integrated approach is practical and effective, offering a significant step forward in improving patient outcomes. Meanwhile, Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), criticized the current NHS approach that treats smoking and mental health issues separately. She advocated for a combined treatment protocol, highlighting the long-term benefits to patients and the healthcare system. She also called for further studies to validate these findings and expand the services.
In conclusion, this study not only provides a new, effective method to address high smoking rates among those with depression and anxiety but also suggests a model that could potentially benefit a significant portion of those using NHS therapy services. This approach addresses a crucial public health issue, aiming to reduce the burden of smoking-related diseases while enhancing mental health care outcomes.
More information: Gemma Taylor et al, intEgrating Smoking Cessation treatment As part of usual Psychological care for dEpression and anxiety (ESCAPE): A randomised and controlled, multi-centre, acceptability and feasibility trial with nested qualitative methods, Addiction. DOI: 10.1111/add.16718
Journal information: Addiction Provided by University of Bath
