Comorbidity and Familial Aggregation of Mood Disorders and Smoking Phenotypes in a Controlled Family Study

Authors

• E Beyene
• KP Conway
• L Cui
• KR Merikangas

Abstract

Objective: Examine the familial aggregation of mood disorder subtypes and multiple cigarette-smoking phenotypes. Methods: Semi-structured diagnostic interviews and family-history reports assessed lifetime smoking phenotypes and mood disorders in probands and first-degree relatives. Familial aggregation and coaggregation of mood-disorder subtypes (major depression [MDD], bipolar I [BPI], bipolar II [BPII]) with smoking phenotypes (ever, daily, regular smoking, nicotine dependence [ND]) were estimated via mixed-effects models, adjusting for age, sex, recruitment source, and comorbid mood and anxiety disorders. Participants included adult probands (N= 336) and relatives (N=517) from a community-based family study in the Washington (DC) metropolitan area. Results: All smoking phenotypes were significantly familial. Smoking phenotypes did not co-aggregate with mood disorders. In relatives, comorbid MDD was associated with all smoking phenotypes; BPI and BPII were strongly associated with regular smoking and ND. Anxiety was associated with ever smoking. Mental disorders generally preceded onset of smoking phenotypes. Conclusions: Family history of smoking and personal history of mood disorders constitute independent risk factors for smoking phenotypes. Preventing or treating mental illness may reduce smoking and improve individual and public health.

Scientific Focus Area: Epidemiology

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