Smoking and severe mental illness
Smoking rates among people with a mental health condition are significantly higher than in the general population.
It is estimated that around 30% of smokers in the UK have a mental health condition, and more than 40% of adults with a serious mental illness smoke. Rates are as high as 70% in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
It is not clear whether smoking is the cause or effect in worsening mental health conditions. However, there is some evidence that smoking could act as a trigger for mental ill-health.
People with a mental health condition have high mortality rates compared to the general population. Smoking is the single largest contributor to their 10-20 year reduced life expectancy.
In the North East and North Cumbria (NENC), smoking rates for people with SMI are almost four times the NENC adult smoking rate (10.4%). NENC was one of seven Early Implementer Sites between 2022 and 2024 where a pilot of primary care referral and support model was piloted.
This has now been expanded to an enhanced pathway for community patients who have a serious mental illness in the North Tyneside and Newcastle. This is delivered by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. You can read more here.
Key reading:
FUSE briefing: Helping People with Severe Mental Illness to Quit Smoking
Action on Smoking and Health has a detailed briefing on Smoking and Mental Health. Read it here.